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

LEONIDA CALDESI (1823-91)

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

26 May 1857

Salted paper print | 20.2 x 16.2 cm (image) | RCIN 2900103

Photograph of a full length portrait of Princess Alice, later Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine, standing, facing left, her face captured in profile. She rests her arm on a plinth of a statue and holds an umbrella in her left hand. She wears a bonnet and a long sleeve, dark coloured dress with a light coloured collar and cuffs. Photograph taken on the terrace at Osborne.

  • Creator(s)

    Leonida Caldesi (1823-91) (photographer)

  • The Princes Alice./ Osborne. 26th May: 1857./ By Caldesi.

  • 20.2 x 16.2 cm (image)

    31.0 x 24.7 cm (whole object)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • England
            • Isle of Wight [England]
              • Osborne Estate [Isle of Wight]
                • Osborne House
                  • Lower Terrace [Osborne House]
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