Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Unusual Artifacts: Cover for “The Queen & Prince Albert Polka,” 1840

The Queen & Prince Albert Polka
1840
Color Lithograph
After John Brandard, Artist
M. & N. Hanhart, Lithographer
The Victoria & Albert Museum
Two things were quite popular in Britain in 1840: the marriage of their Queen to Prince Albert and the polka. Well, okay, there were other things going on, too, but they don’t factor into this object. This printed page combined the wedding and the polka into one very charming graphic.


Here, we see the cover from the sheet music for a popular song written in time for the wedding—“The Queen & Prince Albert Polka.” The cover depicts Queen Victoria in a white gown wearing the sash of the Order of the Garter, as one does when one polkas, and Prince Albert in a very handsome red military jacket with epaulettes. They look out to the viewer as if to entreat them to join in the festivities. A border of gold, scrolled foliage surrounds the image and title.

It’s very cute. I want it.

2 comments:

Doni said...

"Victoria in a white gown wearing the sash of the Order of the Garter"

Was wondering if that is the same stunning gem encrusted medal the current Queen is known to wear?

Joseph Crisalli said...

Hi Doni. It's the same Order, but a different badge. Victoria's garter insignia are preserved in the Royal Collection. Typically, new garter insignia are created for each monarch. However, Elizabeth II has been known to sometimes wear her grandmother's (Mary of Teck's) garter badges. Victoria's were somewhat different in scale because she was so tiny. Thanks for reading, Doni!