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

    JOHN JABEZ EDWIN MAYALL (1813-1901)

    Prince Albert (1819-61)

    1891 after an original of 15 May 1860

    Carbon print from original negative | 40 x 28.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2931343

    Photograph of a full length portrait of Prince Albert (1819-61). He is shown in three quarter view, facing right, with his gaze turned towards the viewer. Prince Albert is shown wearing a double-breasted frock coat, waistcoat and trousers, with a light colour wing collar shirt and a dark colour bow tie. He wears a watch chain attached to his waistcoat. On the right of the photograph is a small table covered in a cloth. A pile of books and a quill pen are positioned on the table. The Prince rests his left hand on top of the pile of book. There is a curtain on the right side of the photograph.  The Prince stands on a patterned carpet.

    This photograph is from the catalogue of Queen Victoria's Private Negatives, Vol. I.

    • Creator(s)

      John Jabez Edwin Mayall (1813-1901) (photographer)

      Hughes & Mullins (1883-1917) (photographer)

      Subject(s)

      Prince Albert, Prince Consort (1819-61)

    • 40 x 28.5 cm (image)

      45.5 x 35.4 cm (mount)

    • Commissioned by Queen Victoria

    • Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • photographs
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