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.

Glass plate negatives

Albert and Victoria’s collection of glass plate negatives show photographers’ working methods

LEONIDA CALDESI (1823-91)

Ernst Leopold, Prince of Leiningen (1830-1904)

May 1858

Wet collodion negative | RCIN 2079417

Glass plate negative of a three-quarter length portrait of Ernest, Prince of Leiningen (1830-1904). The prince is standing, facing slightly to the right and looking towards the camera. He wears a naval uniform decorated with a row of medals and holds a cap in one hand and a sword in the other.

The Prince was the son of Queen Victoria's maternal half-brother.

The glass plate negative has been photographed showing the coated side and therefore the image appears laterally reversed. A print from this negative exists in the Collection (RCIN 2906738).
  • Creator(s)

    Leonida Caldesi (1823-91) (photographer)

    Previously attributed to Unknown Person (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Ernst, Prince of Leiningen (1830-1904)
  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Clothing
          • Costume
            • Uniforms
              • Naval Uniforms
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs
          • negatives
            • glass plate negatives