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 Beatrice (1857-1944)

Mar 1857

Salted paper print | 22.0 x 16.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2900097

Photograph of an infant Princess Beatrice (1857-1944), aged three weeks, lying in a cradle. She faces towards the camera and has her eyes open. The cradle has ornate drapes and tassels. A figure stands behind the cradle, their right hand and arm just visible.

The cradle was made for Victoria, the Princess Royal in 1840.

  • Creator(s)

    Leonida Caldesi (1823-91) (photographer)

  • The Princess Beatrice./ at the age of three weeks./ May: 1857./ By Caldesi.

  • 22.0 x 16.0 cm (image)

    31.0 x 24.7 cm (whole object)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
      • Zoology
        • Animals
          • Mammals
            • Humans
              • Babies (human)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Home economics
        • Furniture & accessories
          • Beds
            • Cradles
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