Chauman. Nicolas. 38 ans, né à Paris XVe. Puisatier. Anarchiste. 6/3/94. 1894

This photograph by Alphonse Bertillon, taken in France in 1894, captures Nicolas Chauman, a 38-year-old well-digger identified as an anarchist. Bertillon was a French police officer and biometrics researcher, and this image is part of his pioneering system of criminal identification. Bertillon's methods gained traction at a time of social and political unrest in France. The rise of anarchism, with its critique of state power, was perceived as a real threat by the authorities. This image then, isn't just a portrait, it's a piece of evidence, framed by the anxieties of its time. The subject’s gaze, the stark lighting, and the mugshot format all contribute to an image meant to classify and control. To truly understand this photograph, we need to look into the historical context, exploring the rise of forensic science, the social history of anarchism, and the political climate of late 19th-century France. Bertillon’s seemingly objective images reflect the social and institutional biases of his time.