A detailed salted paper print by Édouard Denis Baldus documenting the plaster models for caryatids at the Palais du Louvre, circa 1855.

This salted paper print by Édouard Denis Baldus documents the sculptural work of Georges Jacquot, specifically the plaster models for the caryatids intended for the Palais du Louvre in Paris. Baldus, a photographer of significant technical skill, was commissioned during the mid-nineteenth century to record the extensive renovations and expansions of the Louvre under Napoleon III. His work provides a clear, objective record of the sculptural programmes that adorned the building, capturing the texture of the plaster and the classical drapery of the figures with precision. The image presents two female figures standing side by side, their forms rendered in a monochromatic palette typical of early photographic processes. The caryatids, classical architectural elements that function as supporting columns, are depicted here in their preparatory state. The lighting is even, allowing for a detailed examination of the folds in the fabric and the subtle expressions on the faces of the statues. The inclusion of small numerical identifiers on the figures suggests this photograph was part of a larger catalogue or documentation project, intended for archival or study purposes rather than purely aesthetic display. Baldus utilised the salted paper process to achieve a soft, matte finish, which complements the material quality of the plaster models. The composition is straightforward, placing the figures against a neutral background to ensure the focus remains entirely on the sculptural form. This print offers a glimpse into the intersection of nineteenth-century architectural development and the emerging field of documentary photography. It captures a moment in the construction of one of the world's most famous museums, preserving the craftsmanship of the sculptors who contributed to its exterior decoration.