Matha. 1880s - 1890s

"Matha." is a portrait photograph of Alphonse Bertillon, a French criminologist and the developer of anthropometry, a system of identification based on bodily measurements. This 1880s-1890s photograph, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies the photographic documentation integral to Bertillon's influential system of criminal identification. The portrait captures Bertillon's stern expression and distinctive features, showcasing his serious dedication to his work. Bertillon's anthropometric system revolutionized criminal identification, laying the groundwork for modern forensic science. This photograph is a tangible representation of the scientific and historical significance of his work.