Mary Munroe Sanderson

🖼️ Mary Munroe Sanderson (Lexington, Massachusetts, 1852) 📅 1852 📍 North America » United States » Massachusetts » Middlesex » Town of Lexington » Lexington

This poignant postmortem daguerreotype captures Mary Munroe Sanderson shortly after her passing in Lexington, Massachusetts in 1852. A tradition common in the mid-19th century, postmortem photography offered families a final, respectful portrait of loved ones — especially in an era when few people had ever been photographed in life.

The solemn dignity of Mary’s pose, her hands gently folded, and her serene expression reflect the deep emotional and spiritual values of the time. These images are now windows into the past, offering rare glimpses into Victorian-era mourning customs, fashion, and family remembrance practices.

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