There are moments when a picture speaks louder than words. The loss of a loved one is one of those moments. A hand-painted portrait of the deceased is not just a keepsake—it is a silent companion that keeps the memory alive. In this article, we discuss when such a portrait should be created, how it is created, and the impact it has.
Why a painting and not a photograph?
Photos of the deceased are precious—and we usually have many of them. But a photo is always a snapshot of a moment. It captures a specific second, often not even the best one. Perhaps the lighting is poor, the framing is awkward, or people in the background are cut off.
A painted portrait captures the essence. The artist can distill the essence from several photos—the characteristic expression, the familiar gaze, the pose—that family and friends recognize immediately. The painting then depicts not “a snapshot,” but “this person as they were.”
What’s more, anyone can copy a photo. A painted picture exists in only one copy. This uniqueness lends the keepsake a dignity that a photo print simply cannot match.
When is the right time?
There is no "right" time. Different stages work for different people:
Immediately after death
Some bereaved family members want something lasting right away—a way to cope with their grief. The photo then often becomes a focal point: at the funeral, and later at memorial services.
Vorteile: The pain is acute, and the need for remembrance is strong.
Nachteile: During this phase, decisions are often difficult; the final image doesn't emerge until weeks later, which can be emotionally challenging.
A few months after his death
After the first 3–6 months, the grief has often subsided somewhat. Decisions can be made with greater clarity—which photo should serve as the model, what style should the painting be in, and where should it hang.
Vorteile: A more measured decision-making process, often leading to a better result because the briefing is more thorough.
Nachteile: wenig.
Years later
Some bereaved family members don’t realize until years later that a painted memento is missing. That’s just as valid. A painting to mark the 5th or 10th anniversary of the death of a mother, father, or partner is a meaningful ritual.
Which photo is suitable as a template?
When it comes to commemorative portraits, choosing the right photos is a particularly delicate matter. Three key considerations:
1. The person during the “best years of their life”
When a person dies at an advanced age, their final photos are often marked by illness, weight loss, and fatigue. That is not the image the family wants to look at for decades to come.
A better choice: a photo from middle age, when the person was in the prime of life—professionally active, healthy, and full of vitality. That is exactly what the photo should convey.
2. Characteristic expression
Which expression was “typical”? The gentle smile, the focused look while reading, the warm laughter with the whole family? Choose a photo that captures that expression—even if the photo isn’t otherwise “perfect.”
3. If there are multiple photos: combine them
If you have several good photos, send them all to us. Our artists can combine two photos into a single composition—for example, using the pose from one photo and the expression from the other. The result is an image that’s more powerful than any single photo.
Stylistic considerations: What effect should the image have?
Realistic and calm
A classic choice. True-to-life reproduction, neutral background, and a subdued color palette. Elegant, timeless, and suitable for any interior style.
Relating to the person's life
Backgrounds with symbolic meaning — books (for the well-read grandmother), gardens (for the hobby gardener), hometown scenery. More personal and emotional.
With other people
Sometimes the most powerful image is one that shows the deceased with their loved ones—parents with their children, grandparents with their grandchildren. Even if the original photo doesn’t show everyone together, we can combine them.
Symbolic elements
Some families want to include symbols—a specific plant, a favorite animal, or a meaningful object. This is also possible, but it should be used very sparingly; otherwise, the image will look contrived.
Format and Hanging
Memorial portraits are usually ordered in medium sizes—50×70 cm to 80×100 cm. Larger sizes can quickly look like something out of a mausoleum, while smaller ones lose their impact.
Typical hanging locations:
- In the living room, on a quiet wall (not directly above the sofa, but more to the side)
- In the entryway, serving as the family’s welcoming “face”
- In the bedroom (when a partner has passed away) — very personal
- On a memorial wall featuring additional family photos
What to avoid: direct sunlight (which can cause long-term damage even to oil paintings), rooms with high humidity (bathroom, kitchen).
Framework Recommendation
For commemorative portraits, we recommend frames with a deliberately understated design:
- Narrow to medium-width wooden frame in black, dark oak, or walnut
- Shadow gap — if you want the image to have a modern feel
Not recommended: ornate gold frames or white lacquer frames. Both tend to “show off” the picture rather than framing it appropriately.
The Process — Step by Step
- Anfrage: Send us one or more photos of the person and briefly describe the occasion
- Concept Meeting: We'll discuss the format, style, background, and layout—by phone or email, whichever you prefer
- Freigabe-Foto vor dem Trocknen: Sobald dein Bild gemalt ist, senden wir dir noch vor dem Trocknen ein Foto. Das kannst du anschauen und Anmerkungen geben — Korrekturen sind dann noch möglich
- Malen: Erst nach deiner Freigabe beginnt die eigentliche Arbeit. 2-5 Wochen Bearbeitungszeit, je nach Grösse und Detailtiefe
- Drying and Varnishing: Once completed, the painting must dry for at least 4 weeks before the protective varnish is applied
- Versand: Packaged to withstand shocks, with tracking; can also be delivered in person upon request
Sensitivity — How We Deal with Memories
We know that commissioning a memorial portrait can be emotionally difficult. Here’s how we handle it:
- We won't ask for details that you don't choose to share on your own
- We give you time between each step—no "nagging emails," no rushed approvals under pressure
- If you're going through a particularly tough time, you can pause your order at no cost—we'll hold off on processing it until you're ready
- We'll give you the phone number and WhatsApp contact information for a personal representative—no anonymous service addresses
A joint gift from the family
Memorial portraits are often ordered as a joint gift from several family members—siblings, children, and grandchildren of the deceased—together. This has two advantages:
- A larger budget is possible → larger format, more detail
- The grief is shared—every contributor is part of the remembrance
We would be happy to advise you on how to organize a joint project.
Ready to order a commemorative photo?
Upload your photo to the Configurator click here or contact us directly via the Contact Form — For sensitive requests, such as memorial portraits, we prefer to discuss the details over the phone or via WhatsApp before any order is placed. We take our time. It’s important.
Ready for your own oil painting?
Upload a photo, choose a format and frame — Swiss artists will paint your personalized artwork in 2–5 weeks, starting at CHF 306.
Want to create your own piece?
Select a configurator, upload a photo, starting at CHF 306.
