Back in the bad old days stillbirths, disease and accidents were all much more regular, and people would almost be used to death. It would still be sad when a loved one kicked the bucket of course, and people were still deeply effected by it emotionally. But I think the Victorians just weren’t as grossed out by it as we are now. It was much more integral to their lives. It would be hard to find a person that hadn’t seen a corpse rather than the other way round.
Sometimes in these so-called momento mori (remember you will die) pictures the eyes were propped open or pupils painted on to give the impression they were still with us.
☛ Next: 7 Things You Can Do With Your Dead Body
