Quay du Louvre 

Edouard Cortes rendered this Parisian winter scene with oil on canvas, layering strokes to capture the city's bustling energy. Oil paint, a readily available medium, allowed Cortes to depict the atmospheric conditions with rich detail. The material itself lends to the overall appearance, from the thick impasto suggesting snow, to the thin washes that create the impression of a damp, overcast day. Cortes’s quick, impressionistic brushstrokes evoke a sense of immediacy, as if capturing a fleeting moment in time. The visible texture of the paint adds depth and dimension to the scene, drawing the viewer into the heart of the city. Beyond the aesthetic qualities, the use of oil paint speaks to the social context of the time. Oil paint was a relatively accessible material, which allowed Cortes to produce numerous paintings, catering to the growing market for urban landscapes. The scene, with its depiction of commerce and movement, reflects the rapid pace of industrialization and urbanization in early 20th-century Paris. Ultimately, understanding the materials and techniques used by Cortes enhances our appreciation of the artwork, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.