A Victorian group photograph depicting Queen Victoria (1819–1901), Prince Albert (1819–1861), and all nine of their children, forming a remarkable portrait of the complete British Royal Family. Prince Albert stands prominently at the centre, surrounded by Queen Victoria and their children: Victoria, Princess Royal; Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII; Princess Alice; Prince Alfred; Princess Helena; Princess Louise; Prince Arthur; Prince Leopold; and Princess Beatrice, the youngest of Victoria and Albert's children. The image is particularly notable for bringing together all nine children of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in a single royal composition. Through marriage and their descendants, members of this family became connected with many of the principal ruling houses of Europe, contributing to Queen Victoria's later reputation as the “Grandmother of Europe.” The Royal Family is presented in a formal yet familial arrangement, with Prince Albert occupying the central position and the children grouped around their parents. Albert Edward, the future King Edward VII, is prominently portrayed in military uniform and sash. The photograph also reflects the important role of the relatively new medium of photography at the court of Victoria and Albert, who took a strong personal interest in photography and employed it both for intimate family documentation and the wider representation of the monarchy. The reverse is plain. An impressive royal and dynastic group portrait bringing together Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and all nine of their children – a family whose descendants would become intertwined with many of the royal houses of Europe.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art