Gipsmodellen voor kariatiden op het Palais du Louvre door Elias Robert c. 1855 - 1857

This photograph, taken by renowned French photographer Edouard Baldus, captures plaster models for caryatids that were to be used on the Palais du Louvre. The caryatids, sculpted by Elias Robert, are two female figures standing on a plinth, their bodies acting as supporting columns. The image is a fine example of photographic documentation of artistic process in 19th-century France, showcasing the meticulous planning and execution of architectural projects. The photograph is housed at the Rijksmuseum, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the world of Parisian sculpture.