49 Memorable Death Photos Taken Before People Died

How Are Death Photos Different From Then to Now?

It might seem odd to take pics of dead people, but the high mortality rate and spread of disease during the Victorian era led to this practice. In the mid-1800s, when photography became popular and affordable, people started trying memento mori portraiture. This essentially means death photography. It was expensive but not nearly as costly as getting a portrait painted, which was previously the only way to have last photos of loved ones. 

People devised creative ways to remember the dead and posed them accordingly. This provided a new outlet for them to express their grief. Although it might seem disturbing to have these haunting photos, it was a widespread practice then. It was also a way to make peace with the increasing mortality rate. 

Death acceptance might seem disturbing, but it’s a healthy practice that can help you live life fully and have more prosperous relationships. You can start small by checking out these comics about the afterlife and death.

Why Did the Victorian Era Take Haunting Photos of People After Death?

The Victorian era was plagued with epidemics like cholera, diphtheria, and typhus. Many people died, and the majority of deaths were children. That’s why families were eager to have one token of remembrance of their kin after they took their last breath. The people were posed to resemble their likeness before death so the families would be at peace.

Recalling the people we love just as they were is beautiful, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, secrets about people after their death reveal things you can’t imagine.