Victorian post-mortem cabinet photograph, c. 1885 For Sale

Original late-19th-century Victorian post-mortem cabinet card photograph showing a deceased woman resting on a pillow, her eyes closed and body covered in white fabric.The reverse bears the ornate studio imprint:Photographer Russell
328 Essex Street
Lawrence, MassachusettsThe photographer appears to be Frank Russell, a documented Lawrence photographer active in the late 19th century. Russell is known to have operated photographic studios on Essex Street and his work is represented in institutional collections.The photograph is especially striking for its quiet, intimate presentation. The deceased woman is shown closely framed, with her face clearly visible against the pillow. Unlike many post-mortem photographs that attempt to pose the subject upright or simulate life, this image presents her naturally at rest, making it a powerful example of Victorian mourning and memorial photography.Estimated date: circa 1885–1895.Post-mortem photography was an important part of 19th-century mourning culture, particularly before personal photography became commonplace. For many families, a memorial photograph could be the only surviving photographic image of a loved one.Details:
Original cabinet card photograph
Photographer: Frank Russell / Russell Studio
Location: 328 Essex Street, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Date: circa 1885–1895
Subject: deceased adult woman
Genre: post-mortem / memorial / mourning photography
Original period photograph — not a modern reproductionCondition shows expected age and handling wear, including edge and corner wear, surface toning, and minor spotting. Please examine the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.A scarce and evocative piece of Victorian social history, suitable for collectors of antique photography, post-mortem photography, mourning culture, medical history, New England photography, and Massachusetts ephemera.

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