Bouquinistes de Notre Dame 

Edouard Cortes painted 'Bouquinistes de Notre Dame' capturing a scene along the Seine, likely in the early to mid-20th century. It depicts the iconic booksellers, the bouquinistes, with Notre Dame cathedral looming in the background. The arrangement suggests a tension between commerce and culture, a dialogue that has long animated Parisian society. The painting's cultural references are layered. Notre Dame, a symbol of French history and Catholicism, provides a powerful backdrop. The bouquinistes themselves are a unique Parisian institution, holding their place in the city's identity. Cortes, known for his cityscapes, here represents the everyday life of Paris. The scene captures a moment in time and the painting might be seen as a commentary on the city's enduring spirit. To fully appreciate Cortes's painting, one might research the history of the bouquinistes, the urban development of Paris, and the role of art in shaping national identity.