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Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

Leonida Caldesi (1823-91)

Prince Leopold, later Duke of Albany (1853-84) c.1880 after an original of 7 Apr 1859

Carbon print | 13.8 x 10.3 cm (image) | RCIN 2900167

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Photograph of a full length portrait of Prince Leopold, later Duke of Albany (1853-84) standing, facing halfway to the right. He looks forwards, away from the camera. He places his left 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 he celebrated his 6th birthday 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)

    Leonida Caldesi (1823-91) (photographer)

    Subject(s)
    Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany (1853-84)
  • annotation: Prince Leopold/ 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 10.3 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