Mahler. Jacob, Henri, Jean. 61 ans, né à Hanovre (Duché de Hesse). Couvreur. Anarchiste. 3/3/94. 1894

This is an archival print of Mahler. Jacob, Henri, Jean, made around 1894 by Alphonse Bertillon. The sepia tones give the photograph a timeless quality, yet the mugshot's rigid composition and formal presentation speak volumes about the social structures that Bertillon was reinforcing through his photographic archive. Looking closely, one notices the sharp focus on Mahler's face, contrasting with the softer rendering of his clothing. This visual hierarchy directs our attention to the features Bertillon considered crucial for identification. The framing is tight, cutting off just below the chest, which heightens the sense of confinement and scrutiny. Bertillon's method, known as "Bertillonage," was an early attempt to apply scientific rigor to policing. Yet, this photograph also betrays the subjective nature of such categorizations. The act of photographing and archiving individuals deemed 'deviant' reinforced existing power dynamics. It's a reminder that what is considered objective truth is often enmeshed in social and political narratives.