Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha

Sitterback to top

• Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1819-1861), Prince Consort of Queen Victoria. Sitter in 175 portraits, Artist associated with 2 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Unknown artist. Artist associated with 6232 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This work celebrates Prince Albert's impressive appearance as Edward III at the costume ball of 1842. Despite the practical reasons given for holding such events, the number of images that exist where the royal couple present themselves in historical guises suggests a desire to experiment with their royal identity. Edwin Landseer was subsequently commissioned to paint a double portrait of them in costume, titled Queen Victoria and Prince Albert at the Bal Costumé of 12 May 1842 (1846). The finished oil painting affirmed their interest in medievalism, while indicating continuity with royal exemplars of the past.

Portrait setback to top

• Macdonnell Collection

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Crowns and tiaras
• On display at the Gallery
• Swords and shields