The disguised ones of the prefecture
1905
Fernand Louis Gottlob serves up a slice of Belle Époque cynicism with this imposing, mustachioed police officer. Standing with hands on hips in his heavy cape and kepi, he looks every bit the heroic guardian of the night, seemingly ignoring the chaotic scuffle unfolding in the moonlit background. However, the handwritten caption at the bottom spills the beans: 'If I become a victim of duty, my wife will have the right to a tobacco shop!' This refers to the French tradition of granting tobacco licenses to widows of state employees as a pension. It’s a brilliant satirical jab at bureaucratic bravery, suggesting this officer is less concerned with justice and more focused on securing a steady income selling cigarettes for his potential widow.