Posted 11 years ago
scottvez
(977 items)
This recently purchased ambrotype shows a grieving mother gently holding her recently deceased child for what was most likely the child's only photograph.
The ambrotype dates from about 1855 and is still sealed.
The general dark appearance of the ambrotype reinforces the sadness of the scene.
The close up of the child shows obvious indications of a PM.
Sadly this was a very common occurrence in the 19th century.
Reproductions of these images in any form is not authorized.
scott
Poor little baby.
Thanks for looking amber. Poor little baby and poor mother-- she looks as if she is still in shock over her little one's death.
scott
Are you sure Scott. Seems a bit morbid. Was this a common practice then? Not exactly like a hunter posing with his rifle & a 10 point buck. May have taken days to find a photographer back then & that makes me sick at my stomach. Maybe she just doesn't like children & the kid is asleep. I can see it from that angle as children are just so, -uh,- immature.
Yes, I am certain. The sunken eyes and flowers give it away.
The practice of post mortem photography was common in this era. Often these represent the ONLY photograph of a child or infant. I used to find these photographs a little morbid and wouldn't buy them. Once I understood what they represented to the family my opinion (and ability to buy) changed.
scott
Thanks official and moonstone.
scott
So sad and it reminds me of my locket... Of course that's 60 years later.
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/98832-heart-breaker
Thanks for looking fluff and tlmbaran.
scott
Thanks smiata.
scott
Powerful, great details and those skunken eyes!
at least he wasn't squirming.
[sorry, i just couldn't resist on such a somber topic]
Thanks for looking huntress-- it is one of the most impactfull PM images that I have ever owned.
scott
Yes! Truly a beautiful thing PM photography and vastly misunderstood. Very special this PM is. I have a few cabinet cards and CDV's in my collection that you might enjoy. I'll try and post a few soon.
I'd like to see what you have huntress-- feel free to give me a heads up once you have them posted!
scott
sad. but i can see the sentiment and beauty of this. i am fascinated with the victorian post mortem photos.
Thanks for looking and commenting toni!
scott