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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Record of historical events

Victoria and Albert collected photographs that documented the political and military events that defined a period of global expansion

      GUSTAVE LE GRAY (1820-84)

      La Messe (Camp de Chalons)

      1857

      Albumen print | 27.7 x 35.1 cm (image) | RCIN 2934242

      Photograph showing a group of army commanders and generals at Chalons. The group stand to the left of the print looking towards an altar. There is a large cross on the altar. The steps to the altar are lined with troops. A large group of troops can be seen in the distant background.

      • Creator(s)

        Gustave Le Gray (1820-84) (photographer)

        Subject(s)

        Army-France-Zouaves

      • annotation: La Messe. (Camp de Chalons.) 1857. [beneath work]

      • 27.7 x 35.1 cm (image)

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

      • Subject(s)
        • Places
          • Europe
            • France
              • Franche Comté [France]
                • Chalon-sur-Saône [France]
        • Social sciences
          • Ethnology
            • Costume & National dress
              • Costume-North Africa
            • Public life
              • Ceremonies
        Object type(s)
          • visual works
            • photographs
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