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

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 2900327

Photograph of a full length portrait of Princess Alice, later Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine (1843-78) seated, facing left. She turns her head slightly towards the camera and gazes down, looking away from the camera. She places her left hand on her cheek and holds a book in her right 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

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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