Queen Victoria of England
[London, England], ca. 1894
Queen Victoria & Future Edward VII Superb Cabinet Card
Cabinet card

A vintage Gunn & Stuart cabinet card featuring a photographic portrait of Queen Victoria (1819-1901) and Edward called Bertie, then Prince of Wales and later King Edward VII (1841-1910). N.d. but ca. 1894. The sepia-colored albumen photograph is mounted to a thick stock card printed "Gunn & Stuart / Richmond, / Surrey" outside the image along the bottom edge. With an elaborate backstamp verso, listing nearly 10 royal family members (Victoria's in-laws, cousins, children, and grandchildren) who were Gunn & Stuart patrons. A former collector has inscribed biographical information along the top, and 1942 provenance information along the bottom. Expected wear including minor to moderate toning to the mount. A slightly damaged upper right corner affects both the photograph edge and stock card. Else near fine. The cabinet card measures 4.25" x 6.5" overall.

The original photograph of Queen Victoria and Edward, her eldest son and heir apparent, was taken on April 21, 1894 at Coburg, Germany. Members of the British, Hessian, and Russian royal and imperial families had congregated there to celebrate the marriage of two of Victoria's grandchildren, Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg, and Ernest Louis, Duke of Hesse (the bride and groom were first cousins.) Other photos from the same session show Queen Victoria's numerous family members ranged in rows along the Oriental carpets and bear skin rug.

The photography studio Gunn & Stuart, named after principals Charles James Angel Isaac Gunn (1857-1927) and William Slade Stuart (1858-1938), served as the official photographers of the British royal family during the waning days of Victoria's reign, ca. 1890s. Gunn & Stuart photographed Queen Victoria, festooned in lace and a tiara, for her Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Other royal sitters included Alexandra, Princess of Wales, and royal grandchildren Eddy and Maud.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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4.25" x 6.5"