Collecting Raphael in reproduction in the nineteenth century: The formation of Prince Albert's Raphael Collection and its early impact on Raphael studies.

This article examines the creation, development, and legacy of the Raphael Collection, an extensive assemblage of prints and photographs of works by the Italian Renaissance artist Raphael (1483–1520), initiated by Prince Albert (1819–1861) between 1853 and 1876. The collection combined meticulous bibliographic research, international collaboration, and early photographic technology to document Raphael’s oeuvre comprehensively, serving as a pioneering art-historical resource. After Albert’s death, the collection’s organization and cataloguing continued under his librarians, notably Carl Ruland, who emphasized accessibility and scholarly utility. Recently digitized, the Raphael Collection remains a vital tool for Raphael studies, offering enhanced public and academic access to this unique visual archive and reflecting Prince Albert’s vision of art education through innovative means.