Gustave Adolphe Lefrançais (1826–1901), teacher, journalist, and revolutionary anarchist, is portrayed in this albumen-print CDV produced at the Thiébault studio, 31 Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle, Paris. The reverse carries the stamp of Étienne Carjat & Cie, Nouvelle Photographie, at 10 Rue Notre-Dame de Lorette, a studio founded in 1867 and decorated with medals from the London exhibitions of 1861, the Paris expositions of 1863–64, and the Berlin exhibition of 1865, as well as the Exposition Universelle of 1867. The front imprint for Thiébault and the Carjat stamp on the reverse suggest the mount passed through more than one studio context, consistent with practice of the period.

The subject is shown in a three-quarter bust, turned slightly left, gaze directed away from the lens with a composed, self-possessed expression. He wears a dark frock coat over a white shirt with a wide turnover collar, secured at the throat with a loose black cravat tied in a bow. His hair is dark and curling at the temples, thinning at the crown, and he carries a full mustache and short chin beard.

Lefrançais was the first president of the Paris Commune and a revolutionary anarchist militant and member of the International Workingmen's Association and the Jura Federation. Elected by the 4th arrondissement to the council of the Paris Commune on 26 March 1871, he served on its executive, labour and trade, and finance committees.

The reverse is inscribed in ink "Le François" at the top, with a second hand adding in pencil "Gustave Lefrançais (1826–1901) / Anarchist, Paris Commune." A catalog notation reads "3/21/07 LOFGE2 Eb."