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.

Holy Families & Madonna and Child

Holy Families & Madonna and Child

CALDESI, BLANFORD & CO

The Virgin and Child reading in a landscape

c.1853-76

Albumen print | 9.7 x 9.7 cm (image) | RCIN 850648

A photograph of a slightly varied copy of Raphael’s ‘Conestabile Madonna’ (c.1503-04; Hermitage, inv. no.GS 252), set in a decorative frame. Lettered with the title and production details.

This copy was catalogued by Ruland (1876) as being then in the possession of the Earl of Dudley and Ward, London. The circular format of the original painting has been maintained. See RCIN 850645 for a photograph of the Hermitage painting.

Showing the half length standing figure of the Virgin, supporting the Christ Child with her left hand and holding a small book in her right.
  • Creator(s)

    Caldesi, Blanford & Co (photographer)

    Colnaghi & Co. : 13/14, Pall Mall East. (publisher)

    After a work copying Raphael (Urbino 1483-Rome 1520) (artist)

  • 9.7 x 9.7 cm (image)

    15.4 x 13.4 cm (sheet of paper)

  • Acquired for the Prince Consort's Raphael Collection (c.1853-76)

  • Subject(s)
    • Religion & Theology
      • Religions and faiths
        • Christianity
          • Devotional Images of Christ
            • Virgin & Child
              • Virgin & Child-Reading a book