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Cremation, 1875. Artist: Joseph Swain
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Cremation, 1875. Artist: Joseph Swain
Cremation, 1875. A young man is dismayed to find his uncle helping himself to some snuff that he found in an urn on the mantelpiece of his nephews lodgings. In fact, cremation was being strongly advocated as a more hygienic method of disposal of bodies by some groups. The previous year, Lady Dilkes remains were cremated at Dresden in the presence of her relatives. She had been a strong supporter of the process. This came about in part as a result of the growing outrage at the over-filled and terrible urban graveyards that polluted air and soil. One of these is graphically described by Dickens in Bleak House. From Punch, or the London Charivari, 1875
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Media ID 14831303
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Charles Dickens Charles John Huffam Charles John Huffam Dickens Cremation Dickens Heritage Image Partnership John Tenniel Joseph Swain Lodging House Nephew Sideboards Sideburns Sir John Tenniel Snuff Swain Tenniel Tobacco Top Hat Uncle
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this intriguing print titled "Cremation, 1875" we witness a comical scene unfolding in a Victorian lodging house. The artist, Joseph Swain, captures the dismay of a young man as he catches his uncle indulging in some snuff that he discovered inside an urn on the mantelpiece. This peculiar incident sheds light on the growing popularity of cremation during that era. During the late 19th century, cremation was being advocated by certain groups as a more hygienic method for disposing of bodies. Lady Dilkes, who strongly supported this process, had her remains cremated in Dresden just the previous year. This movement gained momentum due to public outrage over overcrowded and unsanitary urban graveyards described vividly by Charles Dickens in his novel Bleak House. The image portrays elements typical of Victorian society: top hats, sideburns, and formal attire worn by both men involved in this amusing encounter. The engraving adds to its nostalgic charm while capturing the essence of satire prevalent during that period. This print not only provides us with a glimpse into British family life but also serves as a reminder of how societal attitudes towards death and burial practices have evolved over time. It stands as an intriguing testament to the cultural shifts occurring during the 19th century when traditional customs were challenged by new ideas such as cremation.
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