An early nineteenth-century royal family photograph depicting Queen Victoria (1819–1901) and Prince Albert (1819–1861) surrounded by their children in a large group composition. Prince Albert is shown standing toward the left of the image, while Queen Victoria is seated near the centre of the family group, surrounded by their children of various ages. The carefully arranged setting incorporates studio scenery including foliage, drapery and architectural elements. The image reflects Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's important early engagement with photography as a means of presenting the Royal Family not merely through formal state portraiture, but also as a family unit. The photograph is particularly appealing for the number of members of the Royal Family represented together and for the early character of the composition. As Prince Albert died in 1861, the original photographic sitting represented here necessarily dates from 1861 or earlier. The reverse is plain, without photographer's backmark or identifying inscription, as photographed.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art