Gipsmodellen voor beeldhouwwerken op het Palais du Louvre: links "N" door Désiré Bloche en rechts een versierde letter N door een onbekende vervaardiger c. 1855 - 1857

Edouard Baldus made this photograph of plaster models for sculptures at the Palais du Louvre, in France, some time in the mid-19th century. The models feature the letter "N," a clear reference to Napoleon III, who was emperor of France during this period. We can see the cultural and political function of art during this era, acting as a tool for reinforcing the power and image of the ruling elite. This photograph is an interesting document of the institutional history of the Louvre, as Napoleon III was responsible for many additions and renovations to the palace. These images give us a glimpse into the aesthetic preferences and the political climate of the time. To understand this image better, we might consult primary sources from the era, such as architectural plans, official government documents, and even personal letters or diaries. By examining these resources, we can gain a fuller appreciation of the photograph, and of the complex relationship between art, power, and society.