Gipsmodel voor versiering op de Bibliothèque Impériale van het Palais du Louvre c. 1855 - 1857

Edouard Baldus captured this plaster model for a decoration at the Bibliothèque Impériale of the Palais du Louvre using photography. Plaster, the material Baldus photographed, is interesting in itself. It starts as a powder and transforms into a malleable paste when mixed with water. This allows artisans to easily shape the plaster. Once hardened, plaster offers a lightweight, durable surface, perfect for architectural ornamentation. Consider the skilled labor involved in producing this plaster model. It is a craft that requires a steady hand, a keen eye for detail, and a deep understanding of classical design principles. This photograph documents a stage in the production of ornamentation that would have required many hands, reflecting the economic and social structures of the time. By focusing on the materials and processes behind this image, we can appreciate how Baldus’s photograph captures not just an image, but a record of labor, skill, and social context.