Untitled (close-up portrait of a deceased woman at Schaff Funeral Home, West Allis, WI) 1950

Curator: This photograph, by John Deusing, captures a close-up portrait of a deceased woman at the Schaff Funeral Home. It's an arresting image. Editor: It's stark, almost ghostly. The high contrast makes it hard to look at, like staring directly at a difficult truth. Curator: Funeral portraits served an important social function. They were often the last image families would have of their loved ones, shaping collective memory and mourning rituals. Editor: Yes, and it makes me consider whose gaze this image was intended for, and the power dynamics inherent in capturing such a vulnerable moment. Did the family consent to this? Curator: It's a crucial question to consider. Images like this also tell us about the commercialization of death and the evolving role of funeral homes in shaping mourning practices. Editor: It’s a potent reminder of how even in death, identity, representation, and access are deeply entwined. Curator: Precisely. Thank you for sharing that insightful perspective.