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History of mortuary photography and video.
 

Mortuary photography and video occupy a unique place in the history of visual arts. Since the 19th century, they have served as intimate and collective testimonies to death, attempts to retain the presence of a departed loved one, and, more recently, tools to accompany funeral rites with renewed sensitivity.

The beginnings: post-mortem photography in the 19th century
 

With the invention of the daguerreotype in 1839, photography quickly became accessible to the middle classes. In an era marked by high mortality rates, particularly among children, post-mortem photography became a way of preserving a final image of the deceased. Taken shortly after death, often in naturalistic poses (with the eyes closed or sometimes painted open), these photographs were intended to symbolically prolong life and freeze memories.

Watch this video (please note that this video is for informational purposes only, but may be disturbing to sensitive viewers).
 

These images were precious: in many cases, they were the only existing portrait of a deceased loved one. They were kept in family albums, framed, or carried around in lockets.

20th century: gradual disappearance of the practice
 

With the medicalization of death, the professionalization of funeral services, and changing cultural sensibilities, post-mortem photography declined in the 20th century. The taboo surrounding death grew in the West, and visual practices related to death became more discreet, even marginalized.
 

However, some documentary photographers and artists continued to explore the end of life and mourning through photography, focusing not only on the body of the deceased, but also on rituals, places (hospital rooms, funeral homes), and bereaved relatives.
 

Mortuary video: between memory and tribute.
 

The advent of home video in the 1980s opened up new possibilities: some families began to record moments of reflection and even funeral ceremonies. But it was in the 21st century that mortuary video became a true form of expression, particularly with the emergence of companies specializing in filmed tributes.

These videos take various forms: montages of family archives, filmed testimonials from loved ones, recordings of religious or secular ceremonies, and the integration of music and personalized texts. They aim to honor the memory of the deceased, pass on memories, and provide support for the grieving process.
 

Today: between tradition, innovation, and spirituality.

 

In the age of digital technology and social media, funeral photography and videography are gaining new visibility. Platforms allow users to create virtual memorials, share video tributes online, or even attend a ceremony remotely via live streaming.
 

Emerging technologies such as augmented reality and holograms are also beginning to transform this practice. For example, it is now possible to integrate video testimonials into physical media (steles, frames), or to display a message from the deceased via a smartphone when in proximity to an object or place.

These new forms do not replace traditional rites, but enrich them by offering other ways to celebrate life, maintain a symbolic connection, or pass on an emotional and spiritual legacy to future generations.

Between the tradition of photographing deceased people in everyday settings and today's taboo, video recording of the farewell ceremony is a good way to preserve the memory of this moment, which is part of life, without being shocking.

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