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Unidentified photographer (U.S.): A Mourning Scene Daguerreotype, sixth-plate (2.75 x 3.25 inches), circa 1845
The Victorians had elaborate rules for mourning, including specific modes of dress for women at various stages following the death of a relative. While no documentation has survived along with this image, the poses and the absence of the children's mother leave little doubt that she has died.The strongly directional lighting (presumably from a window) indicates this daguerreotype was taken in a private residence, rather than in a studio. Daguerreotype portraits were only made in homes in extraordinary circumstances-- most often, when a person was seriously ill or when a post-mortem picture was desired. Perhaps this image was made as a companion to a memorial picture of the deceased. It is certainly a powerful and moving image of a young family's grief.
