Rue Royale Madeleine 

Edouard Cortes painted Rue Royale Madeleine to capture the essence of Parisian life in the early 20th century. As a son of a painter, Cortes dedicated himself to en plein air depictions of Paris. Cortes avoids the avant-garde movements and centers his artistic focus on representing the beauty of the everyday. In doing so, he memorializes Paris as a bustling, romantic city. The painting evokes a sense of nostalgia. It's not just a street scene, but a reflection of a society and culture that valued aesthetic beauty and urban life. Despite an absence of critical commentary, Cortes' work invites viewers to reflect on the fleeting nature of urban life. The blurred figures, the wet pavement, and the soft light all contribute to a dreamlike atmosphere that captures the spirit of Paris.