[PRINCE IMPÉRIAL] KISCH, Benjamin (1842-1889)

[PRINCE IMPÉRIAL] KISCH, Benjamin (1842-1889)

Original photograph
Albumen print, mounted on heavy card
[Durban, southern Africa, 19 April 1879], print 9.2 x 5.5 cm (10.3 x 6.2 cm with mount)
Good condition apart from slightly faded contrasts

One of three known portraits of the Prince Imperial in southern Africa, taken on the eve of his departure for the war

From the Christopher Forbes Collection

This portrait of the Prince Imperial was taken during a photographic session with Benjamin Kisch, from which three distinct prints are known today. This one owes its enduring fame, no doubt, to the martial bearing of the Prince, who wears a pith helmet. It is the last known photograph of him, taken barely six weeks before he fell victim to a fatal ambush by the Zulus.

A rare print from the period.