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 Michael Costa (1808-84)

c.1860

Albumen print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913548

Photograph of a full length portrait of the conductor Sir Michael Costa (1808-84) standing, facing halfway to the left. He turns his head and looks towards the camera. He rests his right hand on the back of a chair and holds a top hat in his left hand.

  • Creator(s)

    Camille Silvy (1834-1910) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Sir Michael Costa (1808-84)

  • annotation: M. Costa [beneath work]

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    9.5 x 6.0 cm (mount)

    8.7 x 5.3 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

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