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

ANDRÉ ADOLFE EUGÈNE DISDÉRI (1819-89)

Napoleon III, Emperor of the French (1808-73)

1859

Albumen print | 8.6 x 5.2 cm (image) | RCIN 2907669

Photograph of a full length portrait of Napoleon III (1808-73), standing, facing towards the camera. He poses with his left hand resting in waistcoat pocket. There is a large armchair on the right of the photograph.
  • Creator(s)

    André Adolfe Eugène Disdéri (1819-89) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Napoléon III, Emperor of the French (1808-73)
  • annotation: The Emperor Napoleon III/ 1859. [beneath work]

  • 8.6 x 5.2 cm (image)

    9.6 x 5.9 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.2 cm (page dimensions)

    24.3 x 19.8 x 5.5 cm (album)

  • The Emperor Napoleon III, 1859. [Album: Photographs. Royal Portraits, vol.47]

  • Acquired by Prince Albert, the Prince Consort

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