Eugène Razoua, born on 16 July 1830 at Beaumont-de-Lomagne in the Tarn-et-Garonne and died at Geneva, Switzerland, was a soldier, journalist, writer, and member of the Paris Commune. This albumen carte-de-visite, likely produced around 1870 to 1871 given Razoua's known activities at that period, carries no visible photographer's imprint. The portrait is a three-quarter-length standing pose against a plain studio ground.

Razoua is shown in a dark frock coat with a row of buttons down the front and a small decoration pinned to his left lapel, consistent with his military service record. His right hand is tucked into a coat pocket while his left hand rests at his side gripping a cane. A watch chain crosses his waistcoat, and his long, full beard, gaunt angular features, and direct, composed gaze match precisely the annotation recorded on the reverse.

Razoua served in a regiment of chasseurs à cheval and then in the 3rd Spahi regiment in Algeria, where he remained for fourteen years and was awarded the military medal in 1863. He later resigned his seat as a deputy and joined the Paris Commune as commander of the 61st battalion and director of the École Militaire, also serving as a member of the courts martial. After the fall of the Commune he was condemned to death in absentia and took refuge in Geneva.

Inscribed in ink on the reverse: "Razoua / 30 à 32 ans / petit / maigre / cheveux grisonnants / barbe grise / visage osseux / pâle." (Razoua / 30 to 32 years old / small / thin / graying hair / gray beard / bony face / pale.)