A rare and impressive large royal cabinet photograph of the nineteenth century by London photographer W. Wright, recording a major royal ceremony attended by Queen Victoria and members of the Royal Family. At the centre of the ceremony is Queen Victoria (1819–1901), wearing the black mourning attire so closely associated with her later reign. The Queen appears to be receiving a large bouquet of flowers from a uniformed military officer, surrounded by military officers, dignitaries and members of the Royal Family. Behind the principal group are numerous rows of participants, together with a large choir and orchestra, while the hall itself is filled with spectators. The monumental architectural setting, statuary and exceptionally large gathering give the photograph the character of an important public royal ceremony. According to the earlier description accompanying the photograph, members of the Royal Family represented include Victoria's son Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, together with other royal relatives. The earlier description also identifies one figure as Wilhelm I, German Emperor; this identification is retained as a previous attribution rather than presented as independently confirmed. The photographer's name appears prominently along the margin: “W. Wright – Photographer.” The reverse is particularly decorative, carrying an elaborate W. Wright, London photographer's backmark, incorporating two allegorical female figures, a large monogram, artist's palette and brushes, books and other artistic and photographic attributes, together with the photographer's various London studio addresses. An impressive piece of Victorian royal photographic history combining Queen Victoria, a major ceremonial gathering, members of the Royal Family, military figures, orchestra and choir, together with an exceptionally decorative period photographer's backmark.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art