This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

UNKNOWN PERSON

Maria Henrietta Sophia Chaine (1837-1915), when Mrs Sayer, and her daughter Evelyn Sayer (d.1879)

1859

Albumen print | 8.2 x 5.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2910681

Photograph of a full length portrait of Maria Henrietta Sophia Chaine (1837-1915), when Mrs Sayer, seated, facing towards the camera. She gazes down at her daughter Evelyn Sayer, who lies on her lap.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Maria Henrietta Sophia Chaine (1837-1915)
  • annotation: Mrs Fred: Sayer-/ 1859. [beneath work]

  • 8.2 x 5.8 cm (image)

    9.7 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
      • Biological sciences
        • Zoology
          • Animals
            • Mammals
              • Humans
                • Babies (human)
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
          • photograph albums
        • photographs