Untitled (Postmortem of Child) 1850 - 1874

This anonymous daguerreotype, titled "Untitled (Postmortem of Child)," is a poignant reminder of the Victorian era's fascination with death and remembrance. Created between 1850 and 1874, the image depicts a deceased child, posed as if sleeping. The child's serene expression, captured in detail by the daguerreotype process, underscores the era's belief in the sanctity of death. This small, intimate format is typical of the time, allowing families to preserve the memory of loved ones. This artwork, now at the Art Institute of Chicago, offers a glimpse into a time when death was a frequent and accepted part of life.