St.Martin 

Edouard Cortes captured this lively street scene, St. Martin, with oil on canvas. Born in France to a family of artists, Cortes dedicated himself to painting Parisian life, earning him the title "the Parisian poet of painting". He created this painting during a period of significant social change, as Paris transitioned into modernity. By focusing on everyday scenes, Cortes offered an intimate look into the lives of Parisians, and created a sense of nostalgia for a time before the rapid changes of the 20th century. In this painting we see a bustling street filled with carriages and people, rendered in soft colors and fluid brushstrokes. Cortes often focused on the effects of light and atmosphere, capturing the unique ambiance of Paris at different times of day. What feelings and memories does this painting evoke in you? Does it capture the essence of a particular time or place? By engaging with this artwork, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of Parisian identity and the human experience.