Portret van Alexandra, prinses van Wales 1899

This is Alice Hughes' photographic portrait of Alexandra, Princess of Wales. It embodies the late 19th-century aesthetic through its structured arrangement of light, form, and texture. The composition is bisected by a central vertical axis that follows the princess, and a horizontal axis that extends across the open book she holds. The dark backdrop accentuates Alexandra's regal bearing as she sits poised with a book, the subtle gradations of light and shadow across her face and dress creating a sense of depth and volume. Hughes employs a semiotic language of portraiture where objects symbolize status and intellect. The book acts as both a prop and signifier. Its presence suggests education and refinement. This representation subtly shifts traditional gender roles, suggesting a new image of the modern royal woman. The formal elements of the photograph work in harmony to craft a narrative of royalty imbued with the cultural ideals of intellect and dignity.