A Memorial of the Marriage of H.R.H. Albert Edward Prince of Wales and H.R.H. Alexandra, Princess of Denmark 1863

Sir William Howard Russell created this print to commemorate the marriage of Prince Albert Edward to Princess Alexandra of Denmark. The image presents a set of diamond and pearl jewelry, gifts from the Prince of Wales. The dazzling display is visually arresting, but what does it really signify? Made in England, this artwork highlights the hierarchical social structures of the time. The Royal Family was seen as a symbol of stability, especially important during a period of industrial change and social reform. The jewels, emblems of wealth and status, reinforce this sense of tradition and inherited power. To fully understand the print's significance, we might turn to sources like newspaper accounts, letters, and other documents that shed light on the social and political context surrounding the royal marriage. Art history helps us see how artworks reflect the values and power structures of their time.