Debunking Victorian Postmortem Photographs: These People Are Actually Alive

Victorian postmortem photography was a serious but interesting practice that emerged during the 19th century. This unique form of portraiture involved photographing dead persons immediately after their demise.

Intended to serve as lasting mementos for grieving families, these photographs often depicted the departed in serene and vibrant repose, creating a poignant connection between the living and the dead.

It is important to recognize that although postmortem photography has indeed made its way into the cultural landscape of the Victorian era, not every photograph of the time with still or composed subjects is a depiction of the deceased.

Misidentification of living persons as dead persons in these photographs often arises from a combination of factors, including prevalent misconceptions and a desire to sensationalize historical fiction.

The intricate fashions, ornate settings, and exotic expressions commonly seen in Victorian photographs contribute to the intrigue surrounding these mislabeled images.

The Victorian era was marked by a heightened sense of formality and decorum, which translated into carefully staged portraits where individuals held poised and dignified postures.

Victorian post-mortem photographs were never taken with the person standing supported on a stand.

The design and structural capability of posing stands inherently lack the ability to bear the weight of a dead body, regardless of its size, making them unsuitable for such a purpose.

It was impractical to attempt to manipulate a corpse in rigor mortis to pose, while a non-rigid body would exhibit a limp and considerable weight, making it difficult to support the weight of its head, limbs or body even with the aid of a stand. Will be unable to maintain.

Posing stands, specifically employed to ensure immobility of subjects during long exposures, were not suitable to accommodate the complex demands of postmortem photography.

These exposures, often lasting up to a minute, require subjects to be in a relaxed state. In other words, Victorian postmortem photographs were always taken in the recumbent position, either leaning back in a sitting position or lying flat.

While many posts on social media have erroneously labeled the subjects depicted in these photographs as dead, it is important to clarify that each person captured in the images featured in this collection is in fact alive.

1. Girl Holding Money

This little girl looks worried about having her photo taken but she is not dead. He is also holding some money in his left hand.

This was probably given to calm him down and distract him during the photo session. You can also see a big motion blur on his left leg. She was definitely alive.

2. Mysterious Woman

Some people say that it is the corpse of a famous clairvoyant. However, it is a sculpture by Christine Elfman made of plaster and papier mache.

The dress is made of torn pieces of paper containing the story of her family. Zoom in and you can see the words. No postmortem.

3. Well Dressed Boy

This is another thing that mystifies us. We did not find anything that suggested that this boy was dead.

He is alert, holding his head up and looking at the camera.

4. Not Victorian, but quite a story

The couple were not Victorians, and they were not dead. Someone made a big story that the woman died two days ago and the man denied it and made the photo.

This is actually a photo booth photo that has been colorized.

5. Bride

This bride is posed in a stiff posture but she was alive and her groom was standing next to her. Its dried flowers do not mean death.

They were an accepted ornament, especially during the hot summer months when it was difficult to keep flowers fresh.