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Post-Mortem on Pillow, Vertical, c. 1850. Creator: Unidentified Photographer
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Post-Mortem on Pillow, Vertical, c. 1850. Creator: Unidentified Photographer
Post-Mortem on Pillow, Vertical, c. 1850. Children have always been particularly cherished subjects for photography. Portraits were made to preserve the memory of their stages of growth and, in an age when long-distance travel was rare, to share with faraway relatives. And, for a sadder reason: in 1840 an estimated one-third of children died before age five. Photography offered grieving parents the opportunity to immortalize their childrens features. This tragic genre of photographs, later called " post-mortems, " often depicts the children in fine clothing, laying down with eyes shut, as if merely napping
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Media ID 19641937
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Ambrotype Tinted Unidentified Photographer Sixth Plate
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This hauntingly beautiful print titled "Post-Mortem on Pillow, Vertical, c. 1850" captures the profound love and grief that parents experienced during a time when child mortality was tragically high. The unidentified photographer skillfully portrays the delicate innocence of children in this somber genre of photography known as "post-mortems". During the mid-19th century, long-distance travel was rare, making it difficult for families to share their children's growth with faraway relatives. Photography became a powerful tool for preserving memories and immortalizing their beloved little ones' features. In this particular image, we see a child adorned in fine clothing peacefully lying down on a pillow with closed eyes, resembling nothing more than a peaceful slumber. The subtle tinting adds an ethereal quality to the photograph, enhancing its emotional impact. The significance of this photograph extends beyond its aesthetic appeal; it serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring bond between parent and child. It is through these post-mortem photographs that grieving parents found solace in capturing their children's fleeting existence. Now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art under Heritage Art/Heritage Images collection, this remarkable piece offers us an intimate glimpse into history while evoking deep emotions within our hearts.
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