Tramcourt. Albert. 27 ans, né le 10/12/66 à Creil. Mécanicien. Anarchiste. 15/1/94. 1894

Editor: So this gelatin silver print, "Tramcourt. Albert. 27 ans..." created by Alphonse Bertillon in 1894 is a fascinating example of early criminal identification. What strikes me is how stark the composition is, really just the man’s face and torso. How do you see this work through a formalist lens? Curator: The photograph exhibits a calculated structure. Observe the bilateral symmetry, anchored by the central gaze of the subject. The muted tonal range, a hallmark of the gelatin silver process, emphasizes texture and detail. Notice also the stark geometry of his coat contrasting the organic lines of the subject’s face. Editor: It's interesting how the limited color palette draws attention to the lines and shapes, especially his rigid stance. Curator: Precisely. Now consider the surface quality. The photograph's glossiness, inherent to the gelatin silver print, accentuates the contrasts and throws into relief the minute details – the grain of the paper, the imperfections in the emulsion. It draws your eye into close scrutiny. Editor: Are you suggesting this almost clinical approach is part of the intended message? Curator: Indeed. The objective style is clear. Consider how the flatness is not about space but rather a calculated assessment by Bertillon. The light falls on his face, almost without gradation, suggesting a clear desire for the data to be evenly exposed. Editor: Thinking about the materials and techniques used really does highlight the intent behind this piece, it's more than just a portrait, it is data collection. Curator: Precisely, paying close attention to these intrinsic formal features enables one to unlock deeper understandings about the work's purpose.