Photograph of the tableau 'The Novice' as performed at Balmoral Castle on the 5th October 1888. Pictured is Princess Alice of Hesse kneeling at a low stool and resting her arms on the chair back whilst reading the Bible. Her hair is long and loose, and she is wearing a white dress.

Princess Beatrice's husband, Prince Henry of Battenberg, revived the taste for performances of tableaux vivants at Royal residences including Balmoral Castle where this photograph was taken. These 'living pictures' were performed by members of the royal family and royal household and consisted of two poses usually shown twice. Music was often performed during the performance and Queen Victoria was often instrumental in editing scripts and advising on costumes. Queen Victoria recorded in her journal on the day of the performance that 'The Tableaux were most successful, & really beautiful, in particular St Elizabeth, Novice, Rebecca, & York.' RA VIC/MAIN/QVJ (W) 5th October 1888