Post-mortem photography, also known as memorial portraiture, was a popular practice in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This type of photography involved photographing a dead body in a posed manner, and was usually commissioned by a grieving family. It was believed that post-mortem photography could capture the likeness of the deceased and help to preserve the memory of the person.
The practice of post-mortem photography first came to light in the 1840’s, when the invention of the daguerreotype made it possible to capture an image on a photographic plate. As photography technology improved, post-mortem photography became more popular. By the late 1800’s, it was a common practice in Europe and the United States.
Who Commissioned Post-Mortem Photography?
Post-mortem photography was usually commissioned by families of the deceased. In some cases, the family wanted to create a lasting memory of their loved one, while in others, the photograph was taken as a reminder of their mortality. In some cases, post-mortem photography was also used for medical or scientific purposes, such as to document the effects of a disease or injury.
In many cases, post-mortem photography was used to create a lasting image of a deceased family member. Families would often dress the body in the deceased’s best clothing, and the photograph was often used as a memorial in the home. It was also common for families to use post-mortem photography as a way to remember a lost loved one for many years.
How Did Post-Mortem Photography Work?
In order to create a post-mortem photograph, the photographer would first prepare the body. The body would be cleaned and dressed by family members, and then the photographer would arrange the body in a pose that was appropriate for the family’s wishes. The photographer would then set up their equipment and take the photograph.
The techniques used by post-mortem photographers varied greatly. Some photographers used natural light, while others used artificial lighting. Some photographers used long exposures to capture the details of the body, while others used shorter exposures to capture a more lifelike image. In some cases, the photographer would even use props to create a more lifelike image.
What Happened to Post-Mortem Photography?
Post-mortem photography slowly declined in popularity in the early 20th century. As photography technology advanced, the need for post-mortem photography diminished. Additionally, the practice of embalming bodies also made post-mortem photography less necessary. By the mid-20th century, post-mortem photography had become a rare practice.
Conclusion
Post-mortem photography was a popular practice in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This type of photography was usually commissioned by families of the deceased, and was used to create a lasting image of the deceased. The practice of post-mortem photography slowly declined as photography technology advanced, and by the mid-20th century, it had become a rare practice.