Whilst researching the history of criminal photography for the book I am writing, my protagonist is a photographer that gets caught up in a series of brutal murders of Jewish activists
in 1899 Vienna, I came upon the name, Alphonse Bertillon. A nineteenth century French forensic documentarian.
It is thanks to this man we have access to the recording and storing of the physical details of a criminal. Before his efforts, offenders were hard to keep track of. They could give false names and addresses, so finding those who recommitted a misdemeanour, was often impossible.
Enter Bertillon.
As a records clerk at the Prefecture of Police in Paris 1879, Bertillon became irked by the chaotic way they kept criminal data. He worked on a better system to store and classify offenders to make it easier for someone to find them if they re-offended. Using his interest in anthropometry, the scientific study of the proportions and measurements of the human body, he developed a recording system for detailing the size and shape of a criminal's distinguishing facial features.
These facial descriptions, classified the shapes, size and breadth of the nose, eyes, ears and other facial features, which he called, “Portrait Parle”. Although the coded lexicon he Invented to use alongside his method was too difficult to use and later abandoned.
However, his idea of “Portrait Parle" lead to his definitive method of identification and recording of a suspect/criminal in the shape of the Mug Shot.
For the first time a criminal could be photographed alongside his or her name both front and side view. Therefore, their identity could be accurately logged ready for use if they re-offended.
Bertillon’s index card system along with the photograph of the lawbreaker, identified re-offenders better than any other system before his invention, and as we know, the Mug Shot, is still used today, alongside fingerprints, to keep detailed records of criminals ready for use if needed.
Next time, I’ll be discussing Bertillon’s influence on what we know today as Crime Scene Photography.
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Photos taken from Wikipedia and mental floss.com
COMMENTS
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How cool is that Nikki. I love finding odd tidbits when researching books. Can't wait for your next post.
OH, Rebecca, I've started to find out so much that I didn't know. The best part is that I'm discovering some amazing woman history has chosen to forget.
Are you a fan of forensic shows on TV or murder mysteries? Have you ever wondered where all that science came from? Nicola McDonagh introduces us to Alphonse Bertillon the inventor of the mug shot on
#OurAuthorGang
Today on
#OurAuthorGang, Nikki McDonagh discusses Alphonse Bertillon. A nineteenth century French forensic documentarian, the man behind the mug shot.
Fascinating! I never heard of this gentleman before. Great sleuthing, Nicola!
Thanks, Joe. It is amazing what you can find out when you dig deep.
+Nikki McDonagh -- indeed! I have to do a lot of research for a series I write for, mostly historical research.
I've learned something new today about criminal photography, thanks Nicola!
This is a very interesting post, Nicola. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into forensic photography.
It's quite a story, that's for sure, considering the rudimentary tools they had to work with.
Nicola McDonagh shares a fascinating post on the development of mug shots and documenting criminals today. Stop by and check it out!
Wow, great post Nicola! A fascinating glimpse of the evolution of mug shots and documentation of criminals.
Thanks Ruth. I never thought i would find such a topic of interest, but it is.
I love a post that's both entertaining and educational. Thanks for teaching me something today.
You're welcome Toi, he was a very interesting man.
Today, Nikki McDonagh gives us a lesson on the innovations of criminal science at the hands of Alphonse Bertillon.
#OurAuthorGang.
Very interesting post, Nikki! Thanks for bringing this to us! Will be interested in reading the next in this series.
Thanks Grace. I may just do more on this theme, it is proving to be fascinating.
I learn something new everyday on this blog! Great post, Nichola!
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