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Rare 1866 Jane Clifford Albumen Print - Spanish Royal Armory (Madrid) - Plate 2507
Item Overview
Up for sale is an exceptionally rare, original mid-19th-century large-format albumen photograph attributed to Jane Clifford (widow of Charles Clifford, official photographer to Queen Isabella II of Spain). This print is part of the legendary series documenting the Real Armería (Royal Armory) in Madrid, commissioned circa 1863–1866.
This specific folio-sized print features a magnificent 16th-century suit of plate armor. A defining feature of this photograph is the visible inventory tag "2507" at the waist, which corresponds to the historical 19th-century cataloging system of the Spanish Royal Collection.
Historical Significance
The Cliffords were pioneers in "object" photography, mastering the immense technical challenge of photographing reflective steel armor without modern lighting. Their work is held in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Prado.
Item Details
Photographer: Attributed to Jane Clifford (Spanish, active 1860s).
Series: Álbum de la Real Armería (Royal Armory Album).
Date: Circa 1866.
Process: Original Albumen Silver Print.
Dimensions: Approximately 13.5" x 8.5" (Large Folio).
Subject: 16th Century "Closed Helm" Suit of Armor (Inventory No. 2507).
Condition Report
This is an authentic antique print over 150 years old.
Surface: Good tonal range with the characteristic "sepia" warmth of the era.
