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

CAMILLE SILVY (1834-1910)

The Grand Duchess of Hesse and by Rhine (1843-78), when Princess Alice

1861

Albumen print | 8.8 x 5.6 cm (image) | RCIN 2907934

Photograph of Princess Alice standing, facing right. She leans against a table. There is a mirror on the table, the glass facing towards the camera. Princess Alice looks into the mirror, her reflection shown in the mirror's glass. She holds a closed fan with both hands. There is a painted backdrop and drapery in the background.
  • Creator(s)

    Camille Silvy (1834-1910) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Princess Alice, Grand Duchess of Hesse & by Rhine (1843-78)
  • annotation: Princess Alice./ (1861) [beneath work]

  • 8.8 x 5.6 cm (image)

    9.6 x 6.3 cm (mount)

    23.0 x 18.2 cm (page dimensions)

    24.2 x 20.0 x 5.5 cm (album)

  • Princess Alice. 1861. [Album: Photographs. Royal Portraits, vol.48]

  • Acquired by Prince Albert, the Prince Consort

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Home economics
        • Furniture & accessories
          • Mirrors
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Clothing
          • Fans
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • cartes-de-visite