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

    JOHN JABEZ EDWIN MAYALL (1813-1901)

    Princess Helena (1846-1923)

    Mar 1861

    Albumen print | 8.7 x 5.7 cm (image) | RCIN 2900456

    Photograph of a full length portrait of Princess Helena (1846-1923) standing facing three-quarters to the right. She turns her head to face the camera, and gazes down, to the left. She places her left hand on the plinth of a column located beside her. Her right hand rests by her side. She wears a full length light colour dress with a dark colour sash and bow, and a dark colour shawl over her right arm.

    • Creator(s)

      John Jabez Edwin Mayall (1813-1901) (photographer)

      Subject(s)

      Princess Helena (1846-1923)

    • annotation: Princefs Helena/ March 1861./ [lower right corner] Mayall. [beneath work]

    • 8.7 x 5.7 cm (image)

      31.0 x 24.7 cm (page dimensions)

    • Acquired by Prince Albert and Queen Victoria

    • Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • photographs
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