Kilchenstein. Dominique. 48 ans, né à Luneville (Meurthe & Moselle). Marchand au panier. Anarchiste. 23/4/92 1892

This is an albumen print photograph of Kilchenstein, made by Alphonse Bertillon. Immediately striking is the subject's direct gaze, confronting the viewer. The sepia tones give a soft, almost classical feel, which contrasts sharply with the photograph's function. Bertillon was a pioneer of forensic science, developing a system of anthropometry for identifying criminals. This photograph, with its detailed inscription and frontal pose, is part of that system. The subject is presented not as an individual but as an object of scientific scrutiny. The use of photography in this context is fascinating. It flattens the subject, turning a three-dimensional person into a two-dimensional image, a set of measurements and identifiers. This process, while seemingly objective, raises questions about power, representation, and the reduction of human identity. Bertillon's photographs challenge us to consider how the very act of documentation can shape our perception and understanding of the individual.