Blind or Deceased? Opinions Sought Please

[Ruskie]

I am fairly sure I have seen a photo here on rootschat where the stand was visible - I think it was a PM photo. 

I'm wondering why you would consider she was dead. Under what circumstances would a child be asked to prop up and be photographed with another dead child?

It was not unusual. We see the odd one on rootschat - they are very sought after.

I still think the placement of the girl's hand behind the neck of the small girl, is very odd, and I did wonder if she was holding something or supporting a stand.

[Treetotal]

I agree Ruskie and yes I remember something similar on her too I'm sure. Note the sunken eyes and slack jaw.

A close up.

Carol

[BumbleB]

For what it's worth, I believe that the child is blind.

This would account for the strange, blank eyes, and the elder child holding her sister's head at the correct angle for the camera, and to also keep it still.  It may even be that the child was deaf, and therefore not able to hear instructions to keep still. 

[relatedtoturnips]

I would value opinions on whether the little girl on the right is deceased or blind...Her eyes look rather odd and her stance unnatural don't you think?
Thanks for looking.
Carol

She doesnt look dead to me. I would say blinking as the camera shutter was active, or moving slightly at the same time.

Heres a strange thought, perhaps the other girl is dead! lol

[Treetotal]

Thanks for your thoughts Bumble and Turnips...I remain unconvinced but appreciate your thoughts and input.

Carol

[Ruskie]

I agree Ruskie and yes I remember something similar on her too I'm sure.

The one I think I can remember was a man (in a group photo with several others) - is that the one you recall too Carol (it was quite a long time ago .... several years).

The stand must have been strong enough to support him.

[jim1]

The problem with early photos is they didn't do blue/grey eyes very well.
Most child PM's have the child sitting or sleeping.
I think the problem with this one is keeping him/her still long enough.

[cazza59]

To me this looks very much like a PM photo, and as morbid as we may think it was, it was commonplace and helped the families grieve.   Aside from her eyes, her feet look "planted" and also the curtain does not have a natural drape as there is bulge behind the child which suggests to me that someone or something is supporting the child.

I have seen many pics with the deceased propped up using posing stands.

Caz

[relatedtoturnips]

Notice the "dead" little girls hand is clasped around her alive sister. Very difficult to do if she was dead, and suffering from Rigor Mortis. According to Wikipedia "Rigor mortis can occur as soon as thirty minutes after death"

So I would have to conclude she is still alive. Its just a strange photo.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rigor_mortis