Gipsmodel voor een gewelfversiering van het Pavillon Richelieu in het Palais du Louvre door Jules Lafrance c. 1855 - 1857

Edouard Baldus captured in photograph Jules Lafrance’s plaster model for the vault decoration in the Palais du Louvre. Here, the motif of floral decoration is abundant; in particular, the acanthus leaf dominates the frieze. This motif, found throughout classical antiquity, has roots in ancient Greek architecture and sculpture and has been passed down through history, resurfacing in countless forms. We see it adorning the capitals of Corinthian columns in ancient temples and even on Roman sarcophagi. The acanthus leaf is a symbol of enduring life and regeneration. Its persistence through various epochs reflects a collective, subconscious desire for continuity and connection to the past. The emotional resonance of the acanthus leaf may lie in its ability to evoke a sense of familiarity and timeless beauty. The image resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.