Death In The Victorian Era & Death masks

The art of death in the Victorian era

• The Victorians had a love affair with death which they expressed in a variety of ways, both intensely sentimental and macabre
• There were high mortality rates in adults and children 
• There was the rise of the park cemetery 
• There was the death of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria's 40-year mourning period influencing fashion
• Memento Mori
• Mourning jewellery

Mourning traditions during the Victorian era

The Victorian era was known for its traditions surrounding death and dying. Some of these included:

• Curtains were drawn
• Clocks stopped at the time of death - in Great Expectations, the clocks stopped at the time where Miss Havisham was jilted at the alter; this may symbolise the death of Miss Havisham's former self (the happy, content Miss Havisham)
• Mirrors were covered with crape or veiling to prevent spirit from getting trapped in the looking glass
• Wreath laurel, yew or boxwood ties with crape or black ribbons were jung on the front door to alert the passerby that a death occurred
• "Wake" - the body was watched at all times until burial
• Keepsakes, e.g. funeral cards, invitations and memorial cards were produced and distributed
• Relatives would surround the bed of the dying
• Valued the last words of the dying
• Photographs and death masks were produced of the dead
• Houses were filled with mementos 

Memento Mori (reminder of death)

Memento Mori took several forms: 

• Locks of hair cut from the dead were arranged and worn in lockets
• Death masks were created in wax and even bronze
• The images and symbols of death appeared in paintings and sculptures

Mourning Etiquette

• Cover mirrors with black fabric
• Friends and family might stay with the bereaved overnight since that is the time of day when deep sadness typically sets in
• Wrapping door handles in black crepe tied with a white ribbon to let people know they shouldn't ring the bell as it could jar the nerves of the mourners 
• A person in deep mourning did not attend social event or places of amusement for up to a year
• It was suggested that calls of condolences be made 10 days following the death or when the person felt well enough to show up for church services

Death Masks

A death mask is a wax or plaster cast made of a person’s face following death. Death masks may be mementos of the dead, or be used for creation of portraits.

Original portrait 

To create this death mask, I mixed Illamasqua white skin base with a pale foundation, and applied translucent powder over the top. I then used various shades of grey/black eyeshadow all over the face to create dark and light shadows. 

I was actually quite pleased with how this death mask turned out - I think you are able to tell where the main areas of shadow are, hence where the darkest make-up is (on the left-hand side). I think the contouring was applied in the right areas and to the right degree, allowing the face to look almost hollow in the cheeks, making the 'death' look quite effective.