Gipsmodellen voor beeldhouwwerken op het Palais du Louvre: links "L'Europe" door Joseph-Adolphe-Alexandre Walcher en rechts "Le Printemps" door Adrien Fourdrin c. 1855 - 1857

This 1855-1857 photograph by Édouard Baldus captures the intricate façade of the Palais du Louvre in Paris, showcasing the architectural details of the building's renovation during the Second Empire. The image showcases the sculptures "L'Europe" and "Le Printemps," designed by Joseph-Adolphe-Alexandre Walcher and Adrien Fourdrin, respectively. Baldus, a pioneer of architectural photography, used a large-format camera to capture the grandeur of the Louvre in meticulous detail. His work documented the burgeoning architectural landscape of the time and captured the spirit of urban renewal. The photograph highlights the use of classical architectural elements, intricate decorative carvings, and the masterful craftsmanship that characterized the period. It serves as a valuable historical document, offering insight into the architectural aspirations of 19th-century France.