Lot 96

Lot 96

Superior photograph of the gorgeous Princess Patricia of Connaught, circa 1908. Lady Victoria Patricia Helena Elizabeth Ramsay was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Upon her marriage to Alexander Ramsay, she relinquished her title of a British princess and the style of Royal Highness. She was the third child of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, and Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia. Her life is well documented and can be easily researched if desired. 
Lady Patricia was an accomplished artist and specialized in watercolors. Captured here in the stunning light of the windows Princess Patricia gazes at an arrangement of orchids. Her dress is simply stunning, being outdone only by the beauty of the Princess herself. An exquisite long strand of pearls hangs from her neck, and she has a white rose attached at her bust line. 
This exquisite image was captured by Lallie Charles of Mayfair.  Born Charlotte Elizabeth Martin in 1869 she was an Irish photographer who along with her sister Rita Martin was one of the most commercially successful women portraitists of the early 20th century. A society photographer, she opened her first studio in London in 1896. While her sister joined her, Rita later opened her own studio in 1906. Lallie moved to her new studio at this address at 39A Curzon St. the following year.  She was considered the “foremost female portrait photographer of her day.” One of her portraits of a young girl was used as the cover image for the first issue of The Royal Magazine published by Sir Arthur Pearson in November 1898. The image is in outstanding condition. There is a hint of a light wrinkle in the mount on the top right corner area but this doesn’t show from the back. Matted and framed this would be a highlight on any wall!