Negen portretten van onbekende criminelen before 1890

Curator: Here we have “Nine Portraits of Unknown Criminals,” an image made before 1890 by an anonymous photographer, preserved as a print. Editor: The portraits have a very somber quality. The people pictured—presumably criminals—stare back at us with expressions ranging from defiance to resignation. It's really striking. What do you see in this piece? Curator: For me, this is where photography crosses over into social commentary. It reminds us that even at the dawn of photography, it was being used, or perhaps misused, for classification and control. These aren’t presented as individuals with complex stories but rather as types, reduced to a single defining characteristic – their alleged criminality. Editor: So, you’re saying the photographs are not simply objective records of appearance? Curator: Precisely. These portraits, while aiming for a sort of scientific objectivity, are undeniably shaped by the prejudices and anxieties of the time. One wonders about the assumptions made, and the lack of personal context for these individuals. I find that haunting. Does it change how you see the work now? Editor: It does. I see how easily the camera could be used to dehumanize someone. It’s unsettling to realize these images likely contributed to reinforcing negative stereotypes. I came expecting cold facts, I’m leaving with much deeper questions. Curator: It is those questions which bring an old print to life, don't you think? I'll not look at criminal mugshots the same ever again.