Portraiture
Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography
LEONIDA CALDESI (1823-91)
Princess Helena (1846-1923)
Apr 1859Albumen print | 18.1 x 14.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2900178
Photograph of a half length portrait of Princess Helena (1846-1923) seated, facing halfway to the left. She gazes ahead, away from the camera. She wears a long-sleeved check patterned dress with black velvet detailing, a lace collar and a locket.
Princess Helena was the third daughter and fifth child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. In 1866, she married Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein. This photograph is the companion of a similar portrait taken of her younger sister, Princess Louise. The two sisters were often together due to their similar ages, although they were very different. Helena was regarded as plain with Queen Victoria claiming her 'features are again now so very large and long that it spoils her looks', while Louise was considered a beauty.
Princess Helena was the third daughter and fifth child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. In 1866, she married Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein. This photograph is the companion of a similar portrait taken of her younger sister, Princess Louise. The two sisters were often together due to their similar ages, although they were very different. Helena was regarded as plain with Queen Victoria claiming her 'features are again now so very large and long that it spoils her looks', while Louise was considered a beauty.
Creator(s)
Leonida Caldesi (1823-91) (photographer)
18.1 x 14.4 cm (image)
30.8 x 24.4 cm (whole object)
Princess Helena, 1859 [in Portraits of Royal Children Vol.3 1858-1859]
Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
