The prince and princess of Wales and their family c. 1887 - 1892

This photograph of the Prince and Princess of Wales with their family was produced by Russell & Sons in London, sometime in the late 19th century. It is included in the book "Life and Times of Queen Victoria". The photograph's composition and framing subtly reinforce the established social order. The Prince and Princess are centrally positioned, with the children arranged around them in a manner that emphasizes their lineage and dynastic role. The family's attire and the presence of walking sticks all signal status and leisure, speaking to their privileged position in society. This image was created in a time of immense social and political change in Britain, as the aristocracy navigated the rise of industrial capitalism. The image subtly affirms the values of the British monarchy and the importance of family lineage in maintaining social stability. By examining portraits such as this one, along with other historical documents, we can better understand the social and institutional forces that shaped not only artistic production but also the very fabric of society itself.