Borderie. Ferdinand, Jacques. 19 ans, né à Sarlat (Dordogne). Peintre sur métaux. Pas de motif. 1/3/94. 1894

This is an early mugshot by Alphonse Bertillon, taken in 1894. The formal structure presents us with a study in contrasts. The subject, Jacques Borderie, is centered, his gaze direct. Yet, the sepia tones and soft focus lend an air of detachment, almost dissolving the individual into the photographic emulsion. Bertillon’s technique, however, is not merely representational, it's a system. Note the careful measurement of features, recorded in the inscription. It’s an early application of semiotics, where the body becomes a text to be read and classified. The neutrality of the backdrop and the subject’s expression are crucial. Any hint of individuality is suppressed, replaced by a detached cataloging of physical attributes. Consider how this methodology challenges traditional portraiture. Instead of celebrating individuality, Bertillon uses photography to enforce standardization. This image underscores the complex interplay between art, science, and social control in the late 19th century.