Place Pigalle, winter 

Edouard Cortes painted this view of Place Pigalle in winter with oil on canvas. Cortes belonged to a generation of artists who chronicled the changing urban environment of Paris. This painting isn't just a pretty picture. Look at the signs of modernity: electric streetlights, a horse-drawn tram, and the stylish clothing of the bourgeoisie. All these details tell us about the social life of Paris at the turn of the century. Place Pigalle was known for its theatres, cafes, and nightlife. Cortes shows us a bustling scene, even in winter, with people braving the cold to enjoy the city's offerings. Was Cortes making a statement about the increasing pace of modern life? Was he celebrating its pleasures, or critiquing its excesses? These are the kinds of questions that art historians ask. By consulting sources like period newspapers, guidebooks, and social commentaries, we can better understand the social context of Cortes's work. The meaning of art isn't fixed, but changes depending on its cultural and institutional settings.