Place de la Bastille 

Édouard Cortès painted this wet, Parisian scene of Place de la Bastille sometime in the 20th century, using oil on canvas. Cortès, known as the "Painter of Paris," captured the city's essence during an era of significant social and technological change. The painting evokes a sense of bustling city life, with the monument standing as a stoic witness to the daily lives of Parisians. How does the artist frame the rapidly changing times, like the advent of automobiles? The muted palette and impressionistic brushstrokes soften the edges of modernity. The inclusion of a flower cart with a woman and child perhaps serves as a poignant reminder of traditional ways of life amidst the city's transformation. Cortès offers not just a visual record, but an emotional experience of Paris – a city steeped in history. The subtle, evocative composition captures the quiet resilience of its people. In this way, the artwork reflects societal issues, while celebrating personal dimensions.