Sorry if this isn’t the right place for this, I really hope the title gives enough warning, I recently found this in a local antique mall unlabelled for $3 and I believe it’s post mortem photography, so I was wondering if anyone here could confirm my suspicions. I was also wondering if anyone could tell what time period this was taken exactly? I collect photos I find at antique and thrift stores so I think I have some idea but this piece is really special so I wanna make sure I have all possible info I can find correct. Thank you in advance everyone!!
by Creepi_Beesti
10 Comments
My Grandma had 1 of one of her baby brother. It was often the only photo they had if they could even afford it, I never understood why ppl have a problem with these. It’s still done today, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with them. 🙏
Yes, you have found something quite special and unique. [The University of Michigan Clements Library](https://clements.umich.edu/exhibit/death-in-early-america/post-mortem-overview/) has a site with a lot of information about post mortem photography and may be able to assist you in dating the photo. I would say it’s likely late 1890’s / early 1900’s.
Photography was hideously expensive back in the day. This might be the only one to remember them by
This hurts my heart. Can’t even imagine the grief of losing a child.
Rest in peace. ❤️
I found the photographer.
Morton C. Knapp of Farmersville (now Athens), Ontario. The photograph is pre-1888 as that’s when Farmersville was renamed.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/36608270/morton-coleman-knapp
Rest in peace God bless
My dad has a photo of his baby brother who died in childbirth. His mother died a few days later. My dad was 2. My dad was a sentimental guy and he posted the photo on Facebook. I had to tell him that I know he meant well, but not everyone is ready for that photo in their feed. I know my dad was grateful to have the photo to remember him. He had a lot of unresolved grief and the one thought that made me happy when he passed is the hope he’s been reunited in the afterlife.
This is so tragic. Imagine growing a baby in your body for 9 months and having it pass not long after it comes into this world.
I volunteer for an organization that provides post mortem photos for bereaved families.
For more postmortem photography and the stories that go with them, check out [Wisconsin Death Trip](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisconsin_Death_Trip), first a book and later a documentary.