Plattegrond van het Nieuwe Louvre - Édouard Denis Baldus

A precise salted paper print by Édouard Denis Baldus documenting the architectural floor plan for the expansion of the Louvre in Paris.

This salted paper print by Édouard Denis Baldus documents the architectural plans for the expansion of the Louvre in Paris. Commissioned during the mid-nineteenth century, the project aimed to connect the Tuileries Palace with the existing Louvre complex. The design, attributed to the architect Louis Visconti, represents a significant moment in the urban development of Paris under Napoleon III.

Baldus, a photographer known for his technical precision, was frequently employed by the French government to record major construction projects. His work often bridged the gap between documentary photography and architectural record-keeping. This specific image captures the floor plan with clarity, showing the layout of the courtyards, the surrounding street grid, and the proximity to the Seine. The composition is strictly orthographic, prioritising the legibility of the architectural lines over artistic interpretation. The muted, sepia-toned palette is characteristic of the salted paper process, which was common in early photographic practice for its soft texture and matte finish.

By documenting the site, Baldus provided a visual record of the scale and ambition of the Second Empire's urban planning. The print serves as a historical reference for the evolution of the Louvre, showing the intended spatial relationships between the new wings and the existing structures. The precision of the lines reflects the rigorous standards of the architectural profession at the time. This print is a valuable piece for those interested in the history of photography, urban design, and the architectural heritage of Paris.