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Learn more about the photographic techniques available in the mid-19th century

British School, 19th century

Princess Beatrice (1857-1944) c. 1857

Watercolour over photograph on card | 3.7 cm (Diameter) (support, diameter) | RCIN 420315

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Detail from Leonida Caldesi (1823-91), Princess Beatrice (1857-1944) with her nurse, Mrs Hughes, 26 Jun 1857, salted paper print ©

During the mid-nineteenth century, photographs, particularly hand coloured photographs, came to replace painted miniatures.

This hand coloured photograph depicts Princess Beatrice (1857-1944), and is presented in a similar fashion to a series of hand-coloured miniatures owned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. 

In the original salted paper print photograph by Leonida Caldesi (1822-91), a detail rom the work shown on the right, the Princess is held in the arms of her nurse, Mrs Hughes.