Quay du Louvre, Winter 

Edouard Cortes’s "Quay du Louvre, Winter" is an oil painting capturing a Parisian street scene, probably made in the early twentieth century. It evokes the mood of a cold winter's day in the heart of Paris, but it’s also about the transformation of the city during a time of rapid industrial and technological advancement. Notice how Cortes juxtaposes traditional horse-drawn carriages with the modern electric tramway. This contrast reflects the changing urban landscape and the blending of old and new technologies that characterized turn-of-the-century Paris. The painting is a celebration of the city's modernity, with the warm glow of streetlights and the tram suggesting progress and innovation. But consider the social implications, as the new urban design and forms of transport would alter the way Parisians could engage with their city. By examining the artistic and historical context, looking at sources such as urban planning documents and period photographs, we can gain a richer understanding of the social and cultural transformations that Cortes captured in this image.