Gipsmodellen voor beeldhouwwerken op het Palais du Louvre: links "La Guerre" door Augustin Alexandre Dumont en rechts "La Paix" door Antoine Etex c. 1855 - 1857

This photograph by Edouard Baldus showcases two plaster models for sculptures that were intended to be placed on the Palais du Louvre in Paris. Created between 1855 and 1857, the sculptures depict two cherubs, one representing "War" and the other "Peace," symbolizing the ongoing conflicts and the desire for a peaceful future. The photograph, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, provides a glimpse into the artistic process of the mid-19th century and the grand aspirations of the French Second Empire. The detailed image captures the intricate details of the plaster models and the contrasting imagery of war and peace, offering a fascinating window into the visual language of the era.