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

ROGER FENTON (1819-69)

Princess Helena (1856-1923) as Clarmont in 'Les deux petits Savoyards'

c. 1880 copy after an original of 1 Feb 1854

Carbon print | 20.0 x 12.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2900009

Photograph of a full length portrait of Princess Helena, standing, facing towards the camera. She wears knee length breeches, a waistcoat, a jacket  and a short, curly wig. She holds a staff in her right hand. She is dressed as Clermont from 'Les deux petits Savoyards'.
  • Creator(s)

    Roger Fenton (1819-69) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Princess Helena (1846-1923)
  • annotation: Princess Helena as Clarmont/ in Les petits Savoyards/ 1st Feb 1854./ By Mr Fenton. [beneath work]

  • 20.0 x 12.4 cm (image)

  • Commissioned by Queen Victoria

  • Subject(s)
    • Language, Linguistics and Literature
      • Literature
        • Drama
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs