vintage Victorian Death / Memorial Card"In Memoriam"calligraphy,spiritual,morn

Description

Rare Vintage post mortem, Victorian, Memorial "In Memoriam" Card. The card has not been filled out in back - was this a salesman sample or the Funeral homes sample? Two seperate cards have been laminated together. They most likely had a number of the front and blank backs. When purchased the back was filled out and than glued to the "In Memoriam" front portion. more on Victorian "In Memoriam" cards below:
"In Memoriam"
Victorian Death / Memorial Card
Queen Victoria obsessively plunged herself and her country into mourning after the death of her beloved Prince Albert in 1861. From this point the etiquette and conventions of mourning increased exponentially, being adhered to with strict social formality. In Memoriam cards very aptly illustrate one aspect of the Victorian 'cult' of mourning.
In Memoriam cards were used to advise of the death of a loved one or to acknowledge the expressions of sympathy of relatives and friends while at the same creating a tangible and lasting reminder of the deceased. Such cards, as can be seen here, were usually sombre and illustrated with symbolism expressing death along with relevant uplifting biblical verses or sentimental verses of loving remembrance. "Mourning" black is a predominant colour although often, by the turn of the century, attractively lined with gold and / or delicate filigree edging. Otherwise black or silver borders and black bordered envelopes were the normal custom. Earlier cards, as illustrated here, include images such as tombstones covered in drapery or angels, all skilfully printed in embossed relief.
Cards and notices of death could obviously be printed with some considerable speed - apparently even the same day - as they were also used to advise the recipient of the date and place of the funeral or request their attendance at the place of interment. One would have had to be careful to not forget a name and thus cause great offence. This could equally apply to a recipient who did not attend an interment without good reason.
The use of In Memoriam cards seems to be a social custom that has now more or less fallen out of favour. The primary reason is probably the now excessive cost of having cards custom printed and the ease, where desired, to easily and inexpensively print letters of acknowledgement using home computers and printers
.-the-lothians.blogspot.com
card meas. apx. 3" x 4 1/2"
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