Terrier. Julien, François. 45 ans, né à Saint-Laurent (Mayenne). Menuisier. Anarchiste. 14/3/94. 1894

This mugshot, taken by Alphonse Bertillon, captures François Julien, a 45-year-old anarchist carpenter, in 1894. What strikes the eye is the stark contrast between the subject’s personal attire and the imposed identity of the criminal record. The man's mustache, neatly trimmed, speaks of a certain pride or concern with self-presentation, echoing similar facial hair trends across various periods and social classes. Think of the mustached portraits of Roman emperors or even the dandies of the 19th century, each projecting an air of authority or sophistication. But here, it is juxtaposed with a number pinned to his chest, a symbol of dehumanization and state control. This tension invokes a powerful psychological unease, reminding us of the precarious balance between individual identity and societal roles, a theme that recurs throughout art history, from religious iconography to modern portraiture. It’s a cycle, a constant negotiation between the self and the world, endlessly replayed.