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

CAMILLE SILVY (1834-1910)

Róza Csillag (1832-92) in 'Orfeo'

1860

Albumen print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913611

Photograph of a full length portrait of the opera singer Róza Csillag (1832-92) standing, facing slightly towards the right. She turns her head and looks towards the left. She is dressed in Classical-inspired garb and holds a lyre. She is dressed as a character in 'Orfeo', an opera about Orpheus and Eurydice. She poses in front of a painted backdrop depicting a Classical-inspired landscape, with ruins, and poses beside a partially destroyed column base.

  • Creator(s)

    Camille Silvy (1834-1910) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Róza Csillag (1832-92)
  • annotation: Mme Csillag in 'Orfeo' [beneath work]

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    9.4 x 6.2 cm (mount)

    8.5 x 5.6 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
          • photograph albums
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite