Opera and the Café de la Paix 

Edouard Cortes painted this Parisian scene with oils, a traditional medium known for its rich texture and depth. Cortes' technique, characterized by loose brushstrokes and vibrant colors, captures the bustling energy of the city. Oil paint allowed him to build up layers of color, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. Notice how the wet streets reflect the glow of the streetlights and the Cafe de la Paix, adding to the painting’s luminosity. The use of oil paint connects this artwork to a long tradition of European painting, yet Cortes’ subject matter – the everyday life of Paris – reflects a modern sensibility. There is evidence of much work in the painting, and the final result is an artwork documenting the intersection of labor, politics, and consumption in the urban environment. By considering the materials and techniques used in this painting, we can appreciate how Cortes transformed ordinary scenes into enduring works of art, blurring the boundaries between fine art and everyday life.