Stages of Decomposition — Jocelyn Toffic

Stages of decomposition

Decomposition begins at the moment of death, caused by two factors: 1.) autolysis, the breaking down of tissues by the body's own internal chemicals and enzymes, and 2.) putrefaction, the breakdown of tissues by bacteria. These processes release compounds such as cadaverine and putrescine, that are the chief source of the unmistakably putrid odor of decaying animal tissue.

Fig. 1 'Living' :: 42"x44" :: oil on canvas

Fig. 2 Fresh Decay (algor mortis) :: 36"x44" :: oil on canvas

Fig. 3 Fresh (rigor mortis) :: 26"x28" :: oil on canvas

Fig. 4 Fresh (autolysis) :: 36"x26" :: oil on canvas

Fig. 5 Fresh (putrefaction):: 48"x32" :: oil on canvas

Fig. 6 Bloat :: 28"x40" :: oil on canvas

Fig. 7 Active Decay :: 40"x34" :: oil on canvas

Fig. 8 Advanced Decay :: 36"x35" :: oil on canvas

Fig. 9 Dry (remains) :: 35"x48" :: oil on canvas