Bourlard. Joseph, Anselme. 45 ou 46 ans, né à Biemme (Belgique). Piqueur de grès. Anarchiste. 7/3/94. 1894

Alphonse Bertillon created this albumen silver print mounted on card in France, in 1894. It depicts Joseph, Anselme Bourlard, identified as a 45 or 46-year-old anarchist. Bertillon, a French police officer and biometrics researcher, pioneered the use of photography in criminal identification. His “portrait parlé” or speaking portrait, combined photography with precise physical measurements, creating a system to classify and track repeat offenders. This image is more than just a portrait, it’s a document of social control. The late 19th century was a period of intense social upheaval, with the rise of anarchism and other radical movements. Bourlard’s mugshot reflects the anxieties of the French state, seeking to categorize and contain those deemed a threat to the established order. To understand this photograph, we need to delve into the archives, examining police records, political pamphlets, and the history of photography itself. Art like this reminds us that images are never neutral.