The History of Post-Mortem Photography
Post-mortem photography, also known as memorial portraiture, was a common practice in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Families would take photos with deceased loved ones as a way to memorialize them. Though it may seem morbid by today's standards, post-mortem photography provided comfort to grieving families and allowed them to preserve one final image of their loved one.
The invention of the daguerreotype in 1839 made portrait photography widely available. As cameras spread, they were soon used after death as a less expensive alternative to painted post-mortem portraits. The deceased subject would be posed to create a peaceful, lifelike scene.
Post-mortem photos were most commonly taken of infants and young children who had passed away. High child mortality rates in the 19th century meant many families experienced the deaths of babies and young children. Post-mortem photos allowed them to have an image to remember the child by.
Adults and older children were also photographed after death, especially once exposures took less time. Deceased family members were sometimes posed with living relatives to create a final family portrait. Flowers, favorite objects or toys were included to add sentimental value.
By the early 20th century, post-mortem photography had declined as snapshot photography became more common. But memorial portraiture remains an important part of grieving and remembrance for some even today.
Famous Celebrity Post-Mortem Photographs
While post-mortem photography was mainly used by the middle and lower classes to memorialize deceased loved ones, a few famous celebrity death photos also exist from over the years:
1. Abraham Lincoln
President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865. After his death, his body was put on public display and photographed repeatedly. Some of the earliest post-death photos of a U.S. president were taken of Lincoln as he lay in state.
2. Jesse James
Outlaw Jesse James was shot by fellow gang member Robert Ford in 1882. The infamous Wild West criminal was photographed in his coffin prior to being buried.
3. Wyatt Earp
Famed lawman Wyatt Earp died at age 80 in 1929. At his funeral, cameras snapped various photos of Earp's body in the casket before he was buried in California.
4. Jean Harlow
Blonde bombshell actress Jean Harlow died suddenly in 1937 at just 26 years old. A postmortem photo was taken of Harlow before she was buried in a private room at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, CA.
5. Joe DiMaggio
Legendary baseball player Joe DiMaggio was photographed in his casket at his funeral in 1999. DiMaggio was married to Marilyn Monroe from 1954 to 1955.
6. Whitney Houston
Iconic singer Whitney Houston accidentally drowned in her hotel bathtub in 2012 at age 48. A photo leaked of Houston's body taken before her funeral shows her wearing her golden casket.
7. Michael Jackson
The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, died at age 50 in 2009. His body was photographed at the hospital and coroner's office before being released for his star-studded public memorial.
Modern Recreations of Post-Mortem Photography
While traditional post-mortem photography has declined, some modern artists have revived the practice to create thought-provoking posthumous portraits.
Andres Serrano
Andres Serrano is an American photographer famous for his controversial works. His 1995 series The Morgue featured photos of corpses taken shortly after death before being stored in the morgue freezer. The graphic images examine death and mortality.
Walter Schels
German photographer Walter Schels' series Life Before Death features stark images of nude corpses. His photographs aim to show the natural process of death and counter society's denial and glorification of death.
Sue Fox
British photographer Sue Fox specializes in post-mortem imagery. Her Private view of death series features the dead lying in state in her studio. Fox uses the photos to provide death education and bereavement support.
Rick Gibson
Controversial shock artist Rick Gibson molds lifecasting sculptures of iconic celebrities using their cremated remains. He has created disturbing "memorial busts" of celebrities like David Bowie and Amy Winehouse.
Reasons for Post-Mortem Photography Today
While post-mortem photography disturbs many modern viewers, some families still choose to take photos with deceased loved ones. Reasons include:
- Memorialization - To honor and remember the deceased.
- Grief processing - Viewing the body can help mourners accept the reality of death.
- Preserving a final image - Especially important after traumatic or unexpected deaths.
- Social media sharing - Images are now often shared on Facebook to announce the death.
- Religious/cultural beliefs - Some religions encourage families to be physically close to the body.
Many hospices and funeral homes now offer professional post-death photography services with the family's consent. The photos handle the process with discretion.
Ethical Concerns Over Posthumous Photography
While post-mortem photography can be comforting for some families, ethical concerns exist over consent and privacy. Issues include:
- Lack of consent from the deceased
- Disrespecting the dignity of the dead
- Distressing effect on the living
- Sensationalism/disrespect by the media
Guidelines recommend no photos should be taken without the pre-death consent of the individual. The privacy and wishes of the deceased and their family should always be respected first and foremost.
The Future of Posthumous Photography
Post-mortem photography continues to evolve along with technology and ethics. Some more recent trends include:
- 3D printing of photography into memorial objects
- Private online memorial galleries
- Virtual reality experiences using photos/videos
- Advanced photo editing and posing
- Biodegradable or water cremation photography
While controversial, posthumous photography fills a role in death education, grief support and remembrance of the dead. When handled with dignity and consent, it can provide comfort and closure to those left behind.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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