1897 Police Portrait of Criminal Isma Martin

This photograph features Isma Martin, taken in 1897, as part of a police identification process. Seated and facing forward, Martin presents a straightforward image typical of criminal identification photography from the late 19th century. During this time, law enforcement utilized such portraits not only for documenting criminals but also for capturing images of women who were a subject of police action. The technique was prevalent in an era of burgeoning police departments looking to standardize methods for recognizing and cataloging individuals.

This specific image is notable as it reflects the practices used by authorities between 1890 and 1900, when photography began to play a critical role in criminal justice. The carte de visite format, a popular photographic style at the time, allowed for easy reproduction and dissemination of images. With records indicating the routine use of these types of photographs, this portrait encapsulates the early intersections of law enforcement and photography. It serves as a historical document that reveals not just the identity of an individual, but also the evolving methods and societal attitudes toward crime and identification during this period.