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

Napoleon, Prince Imperial (1856-79)

c.1859

Albumen print | 8.7 x 5.2 cm (image) | RCIN 2907676

Photograph of Napoleon, Prince Imperial (1856-79), seated on a toy horse and looking to front. He wears a light coloured dress and has a small sword by his left side.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Napoléon, Prince Imperial of the French (1856-79)

  • annotation: The Prince Impériale [beneath work]

  • 8.7 x 5.2 cm (image)

    9.6 x 5.6 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.2 cm (page dimensions)

    24.3 x 19.8 x 5.5 cm (album)

  • The Prince Imperiále. [Album: Photographs. Royal Portraits, vol.47]

  • Acquired by Prince Albert, the Prince Consort

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Toys and Decorations
          • Toys
            • Toy horses
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite
        • albums
          • photograph albums
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