About this sheet
Prince Albert Landing at Dover – Royal Maritime Engraving, c. 1840
Original antique 19th-century steel engraving depicting the dramatic arrival of Prince Albert at Dover, England, after a painting by the British marine artist William Adolphus Knell.
Title:
Dover – The Landing of Prince Albert
Artist:
William Adolphus Knell (1802–1875), after
Engraver:
William Miller (1796–1882)
Date:
Circa 1840–1850
Place of Origin:
United Kingdom
Technique:
Steel engraving on paper
Subject:
Prince Albert
Dover, Kent, England
British Royal Family
Maritime and naval history
A dramatic large-format Victorian maritime engraving depicting the arrival of Prince Albert at Dover on the English coast.
Prince Albert arrived in England in February 1840 shortly before his marriage to Queen Victoria. The scene captures his arrival as a major public and royal event, transforming the historical episode into an impressive Romantic maritime composition.
At the center, a steam-powered vessel battles through a turbulent sea beneath an immense and dramatically illuminated sky. Sailing vessels appear around it, while Dover's famous white cliffs and castle can be seen in the distance to the left. On the right, a large crowd has gathered along the waterfront to witness the royal arrival, with figures waving and watching the approaching vessel.
The contrast between the powerful sea, dark clouds and energetic crowd gives the composition a strong sense of movement and drama characteristic of British Romantic marine painting.
The engraving is based on a painting by William Adolphus Knell, whose name appears beneath the image at lower left as “W. A. Knell Pinxt.” Knell was a noted British marine painter particularly admired for his atmospheric depictions of ships, storms and coastal scenes.
The plate was engraved by William Miller, identified at lower right as “W. Miller Sculpt.” Miller was an important Scottish engraver particularly associated with landscape and marine subjects and is also known for his work after J. M. W. Turner.
Printed beneath the main title is the inscription:
“From the Picture in the Royal Collection.”
The combination of British royal history, early steam navigation and dramatic maritime imagery makes this an especially decorative historical print.
Condition:
Good antique condition consistent with its age. General light toning with occasional minor spotting and age-related marks, primarily within the margins. Some light discoloration and wear toward the sheet edges. The engraved image remains strong, detailed and well defined. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.
Style / Period:
Victorian
Romantic
Mid-19th Century
Of the Period
This is an original antique engraving from the 19th century, not a modern reproduction.
Sold unframed. Any framed or interior images shown are for presentation and inspiration only.
Keywords:
Prince Albert, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert Dover, landing of Prince Albert, Dover England, Dover Castle, White Cliffs of Dover, British royal family, Victorian royal history, William Adolphus Knell, William Miller engraver, antique maritime engraving, Victorian maritime art, Royal Collection, antique royal print, British monarchy, paddle steamer, steamship engraving, maritime history, English marine art, Romantic maritime art, Victorian engraving, antique ship print, 19th century England, royal wedding, Queen Victoria Prince Albert
