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 Empress Frederick (1840-1901), when Princess Frederick of Prussia

1860

Albumen print | 8.1 x 5.4 cm (image) | RCIN 2907909

Photograph of Victoria, the Princess Royal, seated, facing halfway to the left. She gazes down, apparently reading an open book that she holds on her lap. There is a painted backdrop and curtains in the background.

  • Creator(s)

    Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Empress Friedrich, German Empress and Queen of Prussia (1840-1901)

  • annotation: The Princess Royal/ Princess Frederic William of Prussia. 1860. [beneath work]

  • 8.1 x 5.4 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 Princess Royal, Princess Frederic William of Prussia, 1860. [Album: Photographs. Royal Portraits, vol.48]

  • Acquired by Prince Albert, the Prince Consort

  • Subject(s)
    • Physical and Mental Activities
      • Reading (activity)
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite
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