Chaumelin. Odilon. 22 ans, né à Paris VIe. Publiciste. Anarchiste. 24/3/94. 1894

This is an albumen print created by Alphonse Bertillon, a French police officer and biometrics researcher. This image is of Chaumelin, a 22 year old publicist, born in Paris VIe, who identified as an anarchist. Taken as part of Bertillon's mugshot identification system in the late 19th century, the photograph captures Chaumelin in a three-quarter view. This photograph not only documented his physical appearance but also, tellingly, his social identity and political affiliation. The inclusion of Chaumelin’s occupation and political stance is really telling; it highlights the era’s anxieties about social dissent and the perceived threat of anarchism. The photograph transcends mere documentation, serving as a stark reminder of how power structures can categorize and monitor individuals based on their beliefs and identities. It invites us to consider the ways in which society polices nonconformity.