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

JOHN JABEZ EDWIN MAYALL (1813-1901)

Queen Victoria (1819-1901)

c. Mar 1861

Albumen print, carte de visite | 8.6 x 5.6 cm (image) | RCIN 2105699

Photograph of a full length portrait of Queen Victoria standing, facing halfway to the left. She turns her head towards the camera and looks to the right. She is posed beside a pillar and curtain, shown on the right of the photograph. The Queen has a shawl draped over her left arm.
  • Creator(s)

    John Jabez Edwin Mayall (1813-1901) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Queen Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-1901)
  • 8.6 x 5.6 cm (image)

    9.7 x 6.2 cm (mount)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Clothing
          • Shawls
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs