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.

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Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

    UNKNOWN PERSON

    Charles Selby (c.1802-63)

    c. 1860

    Albumen print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913687

    Photograph of a full length portrait of the English actor and playwright Charles Selby (c.1802-63) seated, facing towards the camera. He looks towards the left. He places his right arm on a nearby table and places his left hand on his knee.

    • Creator(s)

      Unknown Person (photographer)

      Subject(s)

      Charles Selby (c.1802-63)

    • annotation: Mr C. Selby [beneath work]

    • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

      9.6 x 6.3 cm (mount)

      8.6 x 5.6 cm (image)

    • Acquired by Prince Albert

    • Subject(s)
      • Language, Linguistics and Literature
        • Literature
          • Drama
            • Dramatists
      Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • albums
            • photograph albums
          • photographs
            • cartes-de-visite
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