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

    NADAR (1820-1910)

    The Countess of Persigny

    1887 after an original of Oct 1858

    Carbon print | 17.3 x 12.3 cm (image) | RCIN 2906735

    Photograph of a full length portrait of Comtesse de Persigny standing, facing left. She holds a walking stick in her right hand and places her left hand in her coat pocket. She wears a plumed hat. Photograph taken at Balmoral.

    • Creator(s)

      Nadar (1820-1910) (photographer)

      Hughes & Mullins (1883-1917) (photographer)

      Subject(s)

      Comtesse Fialin de Persigny (active 1858)

    • 17.3 x 12.3 cm (image)

      28.4 x 23.0 cm (page dimensions)

      29.5 x 24.5 x 6.0 cm (album)

    • Comtesse de Persigny, October 1858, Balmoral [Photographic Portraits Vol.2/60 1852-1859]

    • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

    • Object type(s)
        • visual works
          • photographs
          • albums
            • photograph albums
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