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

UNKNOWN PERSON

The Dowager Duchess of Saxe-Altenburg (1803-62)

1862

Albumen print | 8.5 x 4.9 cm (image) | RCIN 2908051

Photograph of a full length portrait of The Dowager Duchess of Saxe-Altenburg (1803-62), standing in profile, facing right. She turns her head to look at the camera.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Maria of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Duchess of Saxe-Altenburg (1803-62)

  • 8.5 x 4.9 cm (image)

    9.6 x 6.4 cm (mount)

    22.7 x 18.0 cm (page dimensions)

    23.9 x 19.4 x 5.9 cm (album)

  • Dowager Duchess of Saxe-Altenburg, Princess of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, 1863. [Album: Photographs. Royal Portraits, vol.49]

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria

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