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.

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

JOHN JABEZ EDWIN MAYALL (1813-1901)

Princess Alice, later Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine (1843-78)

c.1880 after an original of May 1860

Carbon print | 7.6 x 5.2 cm (image) | RCIN 2900326

Photograph of a full length portrait of Princess Alice, later Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine (1843-78) seated, facing left, her face captured in profile. She places her right hand on her cheek and holds a book in her left hand. She poses beside a balustrade. She wears a dark coloured dress decorated with bows.

  • Creator(s)

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

    Subject(s)

    Princess Alice, Grand Duchess of Hesse & by Rhine (1843-78)
  • annotation: Princefs Alice./ May. 1860./ Mayall. [beneath work]

  • 7.6 x 5.2 cm (image)

    31.0 x 24.7 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Organisation
      • Documentation
        • Books
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs