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

JOHANN HORRAK (1815-70)

'Prince Louis of Hesse'; Prince Louis of Hesse, later Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine (1837-92)

1860

Albumen print hand-coloured with watercolour | 16.5 x 12.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2914301

Hand-coloured photograph of a near half length portrait of Prince Louis of Hesse, later Grand Duke of Hesse (1837-92) facing three-quarters to the left. He wears his military uniform and two insignia stars on chest.

  • Creator(s)

    Johann Horrak (1815-70) (colourist)

    Subject(s)

    Ludwig IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine (1837-92)

  • 16.5 x 12.8 cm (image)

  • Commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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