Photographic Technologies
Learn more about the photographic techniques available in the mid-19th century
JOHN JABEZ EDWIN MAYALL (1813-1901)
Prince Albert (1819-61)
c. 1855Hand-coloured albumen print | 23.2 x 17.7 x 0.1 cm (image) (image) | RCIN 2151448
Detail from John Jabez Edwin Mayall (1813-1901), Prince Albert, c. 1855 (RCIN 2084852)©
Hand colouring allowed for a certain level of creative licence on the part of the colourist.
In the negative of this photograph of Prince Albert, shown on the right, the background is relatively plain and unfocused.
In the hand coloured version of the photograph, shown above, the colourist, Johann Horrak (1815-70), has transformed the background, transporting the Prince to the countryside. He is shown surrounded by trees and rolling hills.
