Chapuis. Charles, Paul. 17 ans, né le 22/3/76 à Paris VIle. Tapissier. Anarchiste. 7/1/94 1894

This mugshot of Charles Paul Chapuis, a 17-year-old anarchist, was captured by Alphonse Bertillon in Paris, 1894. His gaze, direct and unyielding, embodies the simmering tension of a society on the brink. But look closer, and you will see, the symbolism here extends beyond mere documentation. Consider his posture, the tilt of his head, and the subtle defiance in his eyes. Such gestures echo in countless portraits across time. Think of the Romantic era, where similar poses reflected a rebellious spirit against societal norms. The motif of defiance, passed down through history, appears in different contexts, yet retains a core intensity. This photograph transcends its immediate context, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The image's emotional power lies not just in what it shows, but in what it evokes: a sense of individual resistance against the weight of societal expectation, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings across history.