Rue de Rivoli 

Edouard Cortes painted this view of the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, a broad street lined with shops and hotels, sometime in the early 20th century. The painting offers a glimpse into the social life of the city. Horse-drawn carriages share the street with pedestrians dressed in the fashion of the time. The warm glow of gas lamps illuminates the scene, creating an inviting atmosphere. Cortes was known for his cityscapes, and this painting is a fine example of his ability to capture the energy and bustle of Parisian life. However, it's important to remember that the city he portrays is one undergoing immense change. New technologies and social movements were transforming Paris, challenging traditional ways of life. Cortes's paintings offer a romanticized view of the past, even as they document the present. By studying paintings like this in conjunction with other historical sources – newspapers, photographs, and social surveys – we can gain a richer understanding of the complex social and cultural forces that shaped the city of Paris and the art it produced.