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

    Elizabeth, Countess of Desart (1822-98)

    1857

    Albumen print | 12.2 x 9.2 cm (image) | RCIN 2906683

    Photograph of a full length portrait of Elizabeth, Countess of Desart (1822-98), standing, facing left. She looks down at a letter that she holds in her left hand. She wears a plumed hat.

    • Creator(s)

      Unknown Person (photographer)

      Subject(s)

      Elizabeth Lucy Desart (1822-98)

    • 12.2 x 9.2 cm (image)

      28.4 x 23.0 cm (page dimensions)

      29.5 x 24.5 x 6.0 cm (album)

    • Elizabeth, Countess of Desart, Frankfort 1857 [Photographic Portraits Vol.2/60 1852-1859]

    • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

    • Subject(s)
      • Places
        • Europe
          • Germany
            • Hesse [Germany]
              • Frankfurt [Hesse]
      Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • photographs
          • albums
            • photograph albums
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