Gipsmodel voor een versiering van het Palais du Louvre c. 1855 - 1857

Curator: Right now, we're looking at Edouard Baldus's photographic print, "Gipsmodel voor een versiering van het Palais du Louvre," dating from around 1855 to 1857. It’s a photograph of a plaster model for decoration in the Louvre Palace. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the contrast. It's ghostly and precise at the same time. Like an echo from antiquity trapped in monochrome. Curator: Absolutely, the sepia tone gives it that aged feeling. What's interesting is how Baldus uses photography to document, almost archive, these ornamental models. It speaks volumes about the artistic process behind creating a grand palace. It also reflects the Neoclassical aesthetic. Editor: Yes! And it brings into focus how much cultural information and symbolism is packed into architectural ornamentation. Take that central mask, framed by laurel wreaths... isn't that Medusa or another similar Gorgon? It's intended to ward off evil. This molding would remind visitors about order and divine right the moment they passed it in the hallways of power. Curator: Interesting. That's quite astute. Considering this would’ve been during Napoleon III’s reign, this aligns with his embrace of historical grandeur to legitimize his own rule. These symbols harken back to an idealised past of powerful gods. And the flowers and vines woven throughout can refer to peace, prosperity and abundance... all carefully crafted to project a specific image. Editor: And seeing it flattened through the lens of a camera also reveals a layered feeling. Baldus is essentially documenting documentation. It's as if he is trying to trap light itself! A reproduction of something intended for yet further reproduction! Curator: That makes you think, doesn’t it? How we’re interpreting a copy of an object, that was supposed to be part of another thing… so, many interpretations happening across time! Editor: It adds this contemplative layer of how symbols gain traction across time and cultures and keeps me coming back to discover yet more symbols… Curator: Indeed. A simple decorative piece, rendered into an artwork. Quite compelling.