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.

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

PIERRE FERRET (1815-75)

The Dowager Empress Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia (1798-1860)

1860

Albumen print | 8.7 x 5.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2907923

Photograph of Alexandra Feodorovna, Dowager Empress of Russia seated facing three-quarters to the right. She gazes ahead, away from the camera. She poses with her hands on her lap. She is seated beside a table. There appears to be knitting and a ball of yarn on the table.
  • Creator(s)

    Pierre Ferret (1815-75) (photographer)

    Previously attributed to Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Alexandra Feodorovna, Empress of Russia (1798-1860)
  • annotation: The Dowager Empress of Russia. 1860. [beneath work]

  • 8.7 x 5.7 cm (image)

    9.6 x 6.2 cm (mount)

    23.0 x 18.2 cm (page dimensions)

    24.2 x 20.0 x 5.5 cm (album)

  • The Dowager Empress of Russia. 1860. [Album: Photographs. Royal Portraits, vol.48]

  • Acquired by Prince Albert, the Prince Consort

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