A second state of RCIN 816041. An etching showing a scene from Schiller's Fiesco. A bearded figure, in a fur mantle and doge's cap is shown standing on a balcony to the right. He is addressing a knight in armour standing below him to the left. The sky has been darkened since the first state and the buildings in the background to the left are barely visible. Inscribed lower left: Albert 21/9 1840
Inscribed lower right: After being [illegible word]

Prince Albert's first etching was made on 28 August 1840, under the guidance of Sir George Hayter who was working on his oil painting of the marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (RCIN 407165) at the time.

Hayter was responsible for the acid-biting of all of the early plates but was soon replaced in this task by Queen Victoria's dresser, Marianne Skerrett. The London dealers and publishers Colnaghi & Co were also used for some of the more complicated plates. A printing press was set up at Buckingham Palace in 1840 by the firm of Holdgate but some of the royal couple's plates were also printed by a Mr Brown of Castle-Street, Windsor, in the autumn of that year.

Scott-Elliott no. 68

This etching is housed in one of six volumes, put together by Queen Victoria, of etchings by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. For other items in this album see Victoria & Albert Etchings Volume 1.