Is this a post-mortem photograph?

[Roobarb]

I'm fascinated by this thread as I'd never heard of a post mortem photograph. The Rootschatters who have replied obviously have. I must say I find it quite disturbing, I can't understand why anyone would want a photo of their child taken when they're dead. Perhaps someone can explain the thinking behind it?

[Erato]

Because they had no photo of the person in life and a post mortem photo was their last chance.  I had the misfortune of being called upon to take several such photos in Venezuela, though they were not as artfully staged as the Victorian ones.

[Roobarb]

Thanks for the explanation Erato, that must have been an awful experience.

[maddys52]

Yes, still somewhat common. A girl I met at our children's playgroup here in Sydney proudly showed me a photo of her still born baby that she kept in her wallet.

And yes, I agree, I think it looks like a pm photo.

[dublin1850]

Even today people take photos of stillborn and very premature babies ('angel babies'). It is still their beautiful baby. I think it's much healthier than the days when the baby would be whisked away and never mentioned.

[Roobarb]

Yes that's true. I suppose I was aware of that now you mention it, it's just the manner of the photo shown that seemed strange but of course they didn't have the convenience of camera phones in those days to take the photo shortly after.