Boulevard de la Madeleine 

Edouard Cortes captured Boulevard de la Madeleine with oil on canvas, creating a window into Parisian life. Cortes, born into an artistic family in France, dedicated much of his oeuvre to capturing the city’s iconic streets. Often referred to as "the Painter of Paris," his work is rooted in the Impressionist tradition, but he developed his own style to depict the urban environment, particularly its illuminated nighttime scenes. In his paintings, Cortes often highlighted elements of modernization and the hustle and bustle of city life. Yet, he avoided explicit social commentary, opting instead for romantic and nostalgic representations. The painting may elicit feelings of nostalgia, and perhaps even a sense of longing for a time when life seemed simpler, or at least different. The emotional and personal connections we form with places are important to consider, as they shape our identities and experiences.