Untitled (Post Mortem Portrait of a Girl) 1855

Editor: Here we have an untitled gelatin silver print from 1855, of what looks like a young girl, housed at The Art Institute of Chicago. I’m struck by how peaceful she seems, almost dreamlike, yet there's an undeniable stillness that feels unsettling. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This stillness, or rather the presentation of it, carries echoes of a cultural ritual. The 'sleeping' child is a potent symbol, invoking themes of innocence, vulnerability, but also passage. How does the carefully arranged pose and the surrounding ornate framing affect your perception of the subject's fate? Editor: The framing definitely makes it feel… ceremonial, almost. Like a saint's relic or something precious to be protected. Is that intentional? Curator: Precisely. The practice of post-mortem photography in the 19th century was driven by a desire to immortalize the departed, a way of holding onto their memory in an age of high child mortality. Consider the flowers clutched in her hand. What feelings or messages do you think they evoke in relation to mourning practices? Editor: The flowers… they seem to soften the harsh reality of death, adding a layer of gentleness, but also, perhaps, symbolic of remembrance. I hadn’t considered them in that light before. Curator: Their symbolic language acts as a conduit. The choice of bloom would further refine our reading, whispering sentiments of eternal rest and abiding love. Recognizing how images can embody profound emotional weight enhances our understanding. Has this discussion shifted how you interpret such images going forward? Editor: Absolutely. It’s more than just a portrait; it's a carefully constructed memory, loaded with symbols and cultural significance. Thank you.