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, Empress Eugénie and Napoléon, Prince Imperial

1859

Albumen print | 8.5 x 5.2 cm (image) | RCIN 2907672

Photograph of a full length group portrait of Napoleon III, Emperor of the French (1808-73), Empress Eugénie (1826-1920) and their son Napoléon, Prince Imperial (1856-79). Napoleon III stands facing the viewer. The Empress Eugénie is seated in front of her husband, facing three-quarters to the right. She looks down at her son who stands looking to front.
  • Creator(s)

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

    Subject(s)

    Eugénie, Empress of the French (1826-1920)
    Napoléon, Prince Imperial of the French (1856-79)
    Napoléon III, Emperor of the French (1808-73)
  • annotation: The Emperor Napoleon, the/ Empress & Prince Imperial [beneath work]

  • 8.5 x 5.2 cm (image)

    9.5 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, The Empress and Prince Impériale. [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