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

CAMILLE SILVY (1834-1910)

Sir Henry Ponsonby (1825-95)

1861

Albumen print | 9.2 x 5.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2910786

Photograph of a full length portrait of Sir Henry Ponsonby (1825-95) standing, leaning against a plinth that he places his right hand on. He gazes to the left and crosses his legs. He places his left hand in his pocket.

Ponsonby was Keeper of the Privy Purse from 1878 to 1895.

  • Creator(s)

    Camille Silvy (1834-1910) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Sir Henry Ponsonby (1825-95)

  • annotation: Colonel Ponsonby. 1861. [beneath work]

  • 9.2 x 5.7 cm (image)

    9.5 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    23.1 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

  • Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
          • photograph albums
        • photographs
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