In the middle of the 19th century and until the beginning of the 20th century, the custom of photographing the deceased was common. For Catholic families who lost a child, it was especially important to photograph them, as they celebrated their immediate entry into heaven. This obsolete ritual is known as the child death.
In fact, it seems that this practice came from Paris and these images, in the context of the prevailing romanticism, did not give room for morbidity.
In addition, in the 19th century, infant mortality had a high incidence, since diseases such as smallpox, diarrhea, fever, and pneumonia were lethal.
The death of a child, a common ritual for more than a century
Although this custom may surprise us today, in its time it allowed several photographers to become renowned thanks to this type of portraits; to mention a few: Juan de Dios Machain, José Antonio Bustamante Martínez and the best known, the Casasola brothers.
These photographers and others advertised in newspapers of the time, such as the Republican Monitor (1844-1896), offering paper portraits at an additional cost if a home visit was required.
The Angels
The children’s portrait was not only a farewell ritual or the preservation of a memory; Above all, it was a celebration that they immediately entered heaven because they were free from sin. Hence they were dressed as angels.
In addition, the preparations had a sacred character, the idea was to emphasize the sanctity and purity of the minor, from the careful choice of clothing; staging around the body; the support and use of flowers; the most common were lilies, tuberoses, daisies, white roses and clouds.
Every detail of the ritual forced the grieving parents to seek solace in the belief that heaven had gained a new angel. The portrait was later placed somewhere prominent in the house, to proudly display its cherub.
The entire ceremony brought comfort and hope to the family, and through photography the birth of the child to a new life was celebrated.
Finally, it is worth reflecting that the careful observer will be able to find in this type of portrait not only the death of a child, but above all, the love and dedication with which the photographs were prepared by their loved ones.