Nieuwe Louvre in aanbouw: gezicht op westgevel aan de Cour Visconti c. 1857

Edouard Baldus created this photograph of the Nieuwe Louvre in aanbouw, printed on paper, capturing the west facade along the Cour Visconti. The sepia tones and the direct, frontal perspective give the image a sense of classical formality. Look at the architectural details, how each level is defined by horizontal lines and balanced by the verticality of the windows and the arched openings at ground level. Baldus's composition invites us to consider the play of light and shadow on the building's surface. This structured approach creates a visual language that speaks to the grand ambitions of the Louvre's expansion. What does the stark, monochromatic palette tell us? It distills the building to its essential forms, inviting contemplation of its imposing structure. The photograph then becomes more than just documentation; it's a statement about order, design, and the visual impact of architecture.