Post-Mortem Photography: How the Victorians Remembered Their Dead

The invention of the daguerreotype in 1839 opened new doors for people who wanted to capture their happiest memories—and hardest goodbyes. Grieving families soon took up the new technology to create everlasting mementos of the dearly departed.

Known as post-mortem photography, these haunting shots where produced shortly after passing. They featured the deceased dressed in fancy attire, surrounded by loved ones or flower wreaths. Some corpses were even propped up with painted eyelids to appear alive.

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Death struck frequently in the 19th century—especially when it came to the young. These visual keepsakes were often the only photographs of the departed that family and friends ever owned.

While the tradition faded by the turn of the 20th century, certain corners of the world continue to photograph their dead. Numerous books about post-mortem photography—including the recent book, Beyond the Dark Veil, from Seattle photography archive Thanatos Archive—prove that fascination with the subject is alive and well.

Scroll through extraordinary post-mortem photography from the Victorian era.