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

GRILLET & CIE. : CHIATAMONE 6, NAPLES

Sir Michael Costa (1808-84)

c. 1860

Albumen print carte de visite | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913705

Photograph of a head and shoulder length portrait of the Italian conductor Sir Michael Costa (1808-84) facing towards the camera and looking to the right. He wears a jacket, waistcoat, light coloured shirt and bowtie.

  • Creator(s)

    Grillet & Cie. : Chiatamone 6, Naples (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Sir Michael Costa (1808-84)

  • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

    10.2 x 6.0 cm (mount)

    9.1 x 5.4 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Prince Albert

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