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

      LEONIDA CALDESI (1823-91)

      Siamese Ambassadors

      1857

      Albumen print mounted on card | 24.1 x 31.0 cm (image) | RCIN 2935069

      Photograph of a full length group portrait of three Siamese Ambassadors who visited Britain in 1857, together with some of their entourage. The all-male group stand and face towards the camera. The group all wear hats, and the man at the centre wears a wide brimmed hat and carries a sword. The photograph is a vignette.

      • Creator(s)

        Leonida Caldesi (1823-91) (photographer)

      • annotation: [blind stamp] PHOTO/ CALDESI & CO. [photograph, lower centre]

      • 24.1 x 31.0 cm (image)

        35.0 x 42.3 cm (mount)

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

      • Subject(s)
        • History
          • History of Asia
            • South East Asian states and territories-History
              • Thailand-History
        Object type(s)
          • visual works
            • photographs
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