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.

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Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

UNKNOWN PERSON

Mathilde, Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine (1813-62)

1861

Albumen print | 8.2 x 4.9 cm (image) | RCIN 2907873

Photograph of Mathilde, Grand Duchess of Hesse, standing and facing towards the camera. She holds a closed fan in her left hand and rests her right hand on a draped plinth.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Mathilde Caroline of Bavaria, Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine (1813-1862)

  • annotation: The Grand duchess of Hesse. 1861. [beneath work]

  • 8.2 x 4.9 cm (image)

    9.5 x 6.2 cm (mount)

    23.0 x 18.2 cm (page dimensions)

    24.2 x 20.0 x 5.5 cm (album)

  • The Grand Duchess of Hesse, 1861. [Album: Photographs. Royal Portraits, vol.48]

  • Acquired by Prince Albert, the Prince Consort

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite
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