The first proof of an etching showing the head of Prince Albert, after Hayter's Marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (RCIN 407165). For Queen Victoria's preparatory sketch see RCIN 981583. He is shown facing right in profile and is wearing a military jacket with a high collar. Inscribed below: VR - etched from Hayter's Marriage - 19/10 1840 -
Inscribed lowe right: 1st Proof.

Queen Victoria'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 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. 13

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.