Superb 3.25 x 4.25 albumen photo on a 3.25 x 5 mount bearing the printed caption “The Queen, Balmoral 1863,” picturing a mourning-clad Victoria on horseback as the kilted John Brown holds the reins and an unidentified man looks on, signed and inscribed in the third person on the reverse, “Given by The Queen to Genl. Grey on the 24th anniversary of her marriage.” Victoria has also penned a poignant sentiment beneath the image: “Day turned into night.” Victoria married her first cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, on February 10, 1840, which would date the inscription to 1864. Following Albert’s death in 1861, Victoria went into an extended period of mourning, finding solace in the counsel and companionship of John Brown (1826–1883), a former servant of Albert’s who became her personal manservant. Their durable, unusually intimate relationship elicited much resentment, sparked rumors of a romantic entanglement, and even led to speculation that the two were secretly married. The inscribee of the photo, General Charles Grey (1804–1870), became Victoria’s personal secretary after serving in the same capacity for Albert. In very fine condition. Rare and remarkable! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
