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.
View fullsize

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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