Assassinat des généraux Clément Tomas et Jules Lecomte, rue des Rosiers 6 à Montmartre deans la journée du 18 mars 1871 1870 - 1871

Ernest Eugène Appert created this albumen silver print in 1871, and it depicts the assassination of generals Clément Thomas and Jules Lecomte in Montmartre. Photography, by its nature, is always tied to the mechanics of its production. In this case, the photographic process is crucial, as the medium became a tool for documenting and shaping public perception during times of political unrest. The creation of an albumen print involved coating paper with a mixture of egg whites and chemicals, making it sensitive to light. This delicate process highlights the convergence of science and artistry in early photography. As a result, the final image has a distinctive sepia tone and a soft, almost dreamlike quality, which contrasts sharply with the harsh reality of the event it depicts. This photograph serves as both a historical record and a political statement. By examining the materials and techniques used, we can appreciate how photography played a crucial role in constructing narratives, influencing public opinion, and blurring the lines between art, documentation, and propaganda.