Gipsmodellen voor kariatiden op het Palais du Louvre door Pierre Charles Simart c. 1855 - 1857

This 19th-century photograph by Édouard Baldus captures a plaster model of caryatids for the Palais du Louvre in Paris, originally sculpted by Pierre Charles Simart between 1855 and 1857. Caryatids are sculpted female figures used as architectural supports, a motif often found in classical architecture. Baldus's photograph, housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases the intricate details of the plaster model, providing a glimpse into the design process for the Louvre's iconic façade. The image highlights the craftsmanship and artistry involved in creating such monumental sculptures.