Jaffard. Julien, Ludovic. 37 ans, né le 31/5/57 à Lesterps (Charente). Journalier. Anarchiste. 2/7/94. 1894

This mugshot, taken in 1894 by Alphonse Bertillon, captures Julien Jaffard, an anarchist. The stark frontal pose, coupled with his direct gaze, is intended to strip away individuality, reducing him to a mere subject of state control. Yet, paradoxically, the image reveals something more. Observe his unkempt hair and beard. The beard, an ancient symbol of wisdom and virility, here speaks of defiance, a rejection of societal norms. Think back to images of Greek philosophers, their beards signifying intellectual rebellion. The open collar, a subtle gesture, hints at a refusal to be constrained. Throughout history, the unbuttoned shirt has appeared time and again as an emblem of freedom. The emotional weight of this image lies in this tension—the attempt to categorize and control, versus the enduring human spirit of resistance.