From what I can gather nothing much is really known about this photo. Often cited as the earliest 'news' photograph, as it captured an event. Who the man was or his crime are lost to time.
1847 was a year of economic turmoil in France, which preceded a second revolution in 1848. Wouldn't be surprised if this was related to any of that.
Also, the tall officer in the middle looks very familiar, but then again, I guess it was a pretty common look, i.e. middle-aged man with a drooping, caterpillar moustache.
