Albert and Victoria’s collection of glass plate negatives show photographers’ working methods
UNKNOWN PERSON
Glass negative of a daguerreotype of Queen Victoria and the Princess Royal
c.1878 glass plate negative of a daguerreotype from 1845Wet collodion negative | 15.2 x 12.7 cm (whole object) | RCIN 2506821
6 x 5" glass plate negative of a daguerreotype of Queen Victoria (1819-1901), seated on the left alongside her daughter, Empress Friedrich (1840-1901), when Victoria, Princess Royal. The image was previously believed to be a calotype taken by Henry Collen when known only through an 1870s carbon print. It was not until this glass negative was discovered, and the complete object was visible and seen to be a daguerreotype that the attribution to Collen was reconsidered. The edge of the daguerreotype is visible in the copy negative, and the name 'Christofle' (a French silversmith firm) is visible. The daguerreotype is traditionally believed to be the earliest photograph of Queen Victoria.
The glass plate negative has been photographed showing the coated side and therefore the image appears laterally reversed.
The glass plate negative has been photographed showing the coated side and therefore the image appears laterally reversed.
Creator(s)
Unknown Person (photographer)
Previously attributed to Henry Collen (1798-1879) (photographer)
Charles Christofle et Cie : Paris (active 1845-1862) (silversmith)
Subject(s)
Queen Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (1819-1901)Empress Friedrich, German Empress and Queen of Prussia (1840-1901)15.2 x 12.7 cm (whole object)
Glass negative of a daguerreotype of Queen Victoria and the Princess Royal
- Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
Object type(s)
- visual works
- photographs
- negatives
- glass plate negatives
- negatives
- photographs
- visual works
