Death masks were extremely realistic representations of the deceased, capturing their likeness with striking accuracy.
Accuracy of Death Masks
Based on historical accounts, death masks were known for their remarkable fidelity to the subject's appearance immediately after death. The process involved creating a direct mold from the face, which resulted in a highly detailed and often eerie impression.
According to Gibson, they were extremely, even eerily, accurate impressions of their subject, made from plaster or wax in the first hours after death. This method ensured that the mask captured the precise contours and features of the individual before any significant changes occurred post-mortem. The use of materials like plaster or wax facilitated the creation of a fine impression, picking up minute details that would make the final mask a lifelike portrayal.
The timing of the mask creation – typically within the first few hours after death – was crucial for achieving such accuracy. This window allowed for the recording of features as they were, preserving the likeness of the deceased person for posterity.
