Negen portretten van vermoedelijk onbekende moordenaars before 1890

These nine portraits of presumed, though anonymous, murderers were printed sometime in the 19th century, likely using a photomechanical process such as a woodburytype or early halftone. The photographic portraits are reproduced and arranged on a single page, in a book titled "La Police Parisienne." The images are stark, offering a glimpse into the faces of individuals accused of heinous crimes. The use of photography—a relatively new technology at the time—reflects a growing interest in using visual media for documentation and identification, particularly within the context of law enforcement and social control. Consider the labor involved in capturing, reproducing, and distributing these images. Each step, from the photographer's studio to the printing press, represents a convergence of technology, labor, and social attitudes towards crime and punishment. This book exists as a document, and also a stark reminder of the societal forces at play in shaping perceptions of criminality.