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.

Visit the Royal Collection

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

LEONIDA CALDESI (1823-91)

Prince Leopold, later Duke of Albany (1853-84)

1800 after an original of 1857

Carbon print | 14.1 x 11.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2900095

Photograph of Prince Leopold, later Duke of Albany (1853-84) seated on the ground, facing towards the camera. He is seated on a piece of fabric or carpet and is surrounded by potted plants. He wears a plumed hat and a dark coloured dress.

  • Creator(s)

    Leonida Caldesi (1823-91) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany (1853-84)

  • annotation: Prince Leopold./ 1857. By Caldesi. [beneath work]

  • 14.1 x 11.0 cm (image)

    31.0 x 24.7 cm (whole object)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • England
            • Greater London [England]
              • London [Greater London]
                • City of Westminster [London]
                  • Buckingham Palace
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
PreviousNext
PreviousNext
Policy links
Royal Collection TrustIn Partnership with

Royal Collection Trust is a charity caring for the Royal Collection and welcoming visitors to the royal palaces. We bring our shared history to life through world-class experiences that involve and inspire people, wherever they are. Income from tickets and retail sales helps us to conserve the Collection so that it can be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.