Place Saint Michel, Notre Dame 

Edouard Cortes created this painting of Place Saint Michel and Notre Dame using oil paints and brushes. Cortes used traditional art materials, but his subject matter tells a story of modern life in Paris, capturing the city's bustling atmosphere. The painting's surface is alive with texture, as Cortes applied the oil paint in layers of brushstrokes. This technique gives the scene a sense of movement, as if we're standing on the wet pavement, experiencing the city firsthand. Cortes skillfully captured the reflections of light on the wet streets, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The vibrant colors of the storefronts and passing vehicles stand out against the muted tones of the sky and buildings. This artwork challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and everyday life. By focusing on the materials and context, we can appreciate how Cortes elevated a common urban scene into a timeless work of art.