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

CAMILLE SILVY (1834-1910)

Miss Button, as Esmeralda

c.1860

Albumen print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913539

Photograph of a full length portrait of the actress Miss Button in costume as Esmerelda from 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'. Button holds her skirt with both hands and points her right foot, as if dancing.

  • Creator(s)

    Camille Silvy (1834-1910) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Miss Button

  • annotation: Miss Button, as Esmeralda, in/ "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." [beneath work]

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    9.5 x 6.0 cm (mount)

    8.8 x 5.7 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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