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

GEORGE PINER CARTLAND

Saiyad Hamed Husain

c.1870-80

Albumen print with hand-colouring in watercolour | 13.9 x 9.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2914340

Hand painted photograph of a full length portrait of Saiyad Hamed Husain or Ahmed Husain on horseback. He holds a lance in his right hand. He wears a striped turban and pale striped tunic. This photograph was probably taken within the grounds of Windsor Castle. 

  • Creator(s)

    George Piner Cartland (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Ahmed Husain (Indian servant to QV)

  • 13.9 x 9.7 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Agriculture and related techniques
        • Animal husbandry
          • Horses
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
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