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Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

After Leonida Caldesi (1823-91)

Prince Arthur, later Duke of Connaught (1850-1942) c.1880 after an original of 7 Apr 1859

Carbon print | 13.8 x 10.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2900166

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Photograph of a full length portrait of Prince Arthur, later Duke of Connaught (1850-1942), standing, facing slightly towards the left. He looks towards the camera. He places his right arm on the back of a chair.

The prince is dressed for the Bal Costumé that took place at Buckingham Palace on the same day that his younger brother, Prince Leopold, celebrated his 6th birthday and when this photograph was taken. The Prince wears a tunic, hat and tights and was a costume that was inspired by those worn by the sons of Henry Bolingbroke in the final scene of Richard II that was produced by Charles Kean. The play was performed at the Princess's Theatre and in front of a private audience at Windsor Castle in February 1857.

  • Creator(s)

    After Leonida Caldesi (1823-91) (photographer)

    Hughes & Mullins (1883-1917) (photographer)

    Subject(s)
    Prince Arthur, 1st Duke of Connaught (1850-1942)
  • annotation: Prince Arthur/ in the costume of the son of King Henry 4th */ which he wore at the Bal Costumé at Buckingham Palace,/ April 7th 1859./ *(From the last scene of Richard 2nd at the Princefs's Theatre) [beneath work]
  • 13.8 x 10.4 cm (image)

    30.8 x 24.4 cm (whole object)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
    Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Toys and Decorations
          • Theatrical costumes
            • Costume-Fancy Dress