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

CAMILLE SILVY (1834-1910)

Marietta Piccolomini (1834-99)

c. 1860

Albumen print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913622

Photograph of a full length portrait of the Italian opera singer Marietta Piccolomini (1834-99) seated on a chair at a table, facing slightly towards the left. She turns her head and looks towards the camera. She leans her right arm on the table and places her left hand in her lap.

  • Creator(s)

    Camille Silvy (1834-1910) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Marietta Piccolomini (1834-99)
  • annotation: Mlle Piccolomini [beneath work]

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    9.6 x 6.2 cm (mount)

    8.8 x 5.6 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • People
      • Musicians
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
          • photograph albums
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite