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.

Visit the Royal Collection

Portraiture

Prince Albert was an early adopter of portrait photography

    UNKNOWN PERSON

    Michael William Balfe (1808-70)

    c. 1860

    Albumen print | 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions) | RCIN 2913628

    Photograph of a full length portrait of the Irish composer Michael William Balfe (1808-70) standing, facing towards the camera. He turns his head slightly and looks to the right. He holds a cane in his right hand and holds a top hat in his left hand.

    • Creator(s)

      Unknown Person (photographer)

      Subject(s)

      Michael William Balfe (1808-70)

    • annotation: Mr Balfe [beneath work]

    • 23.1 x 17.5 cm (page dimensions)

      9.6 x 6.3 cm (mount)

      8.7 x 5.5 cm (image)

    • Acquired by Prince Albert

    • Subject(s)
      • People
        • Musicians
      Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • albums
            • photograph albums
          • photographs
            • cartes-de-visite
    PreviousNext
    PreviousNext
    Policy links
    Royal Collection TrustIn Partnership with

    Royal Collection Trust is a charity caring for the Royal Collection and welcoming visitors to the royal palaces. We bring our shared history to life through world-class experiences that involve and inspire people, wherever they are. Income from tickets and retail sales helps us to conserve the Collection so that it can be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.