Gipsmodellen voor beeldhouwwerken op het Palais du Louvre: links "La Fermeté" door Pierre-Bernard Prouhaen, midden "La Puissance" door Antoine Laurent Dantan en rechts "La Justice" door Camille Demesnay c. 1855 - 1857

Edouard Baldus captured these plaster models for sculptures on the Palais du Louvre. The black and white photograph features ‘La Fermeté’, ‘La Puissance’ and ‘La Justice’, completed by Pierre-Bernard Prouhaen, Antoine Laurent Dantan and Camille Demesnay, respectively. Baldus's images reflect the 19th-century French state's preoccupation with power and control, themes that continue to resonate today. These classical figures embody ideals sought in French society and are imbued with masculine strength and authority. Yet, what does it mean when justice and firmness are also cast in this form, seemingly excluding other representations? The sculptures capture a desire to visually reinforce specific social values, shaping public perception. It prompts us to consider whose ideals are being promoted and how such representations impact our understanding of societal roles and expectations.