Edouard Leon Cortes (1882-1969)
Theatre du Vaudeville
oil on canvas
13 x 18 inches
24 x 29 inches (frame)
signed lower left: Edouard Cortes
verso: label, The Country Store Gallery, Austin, Texas

Edouard Leon Cortes, born into a family of artisans in Paris in 1882, was destined for a life of artistry. Immersed in an environment steeped in creativity, Cortes demonstrated exceptional talent from a young age, declaring, "I was born from and for painting." He honed his skills under his father's guidance and debuted at the Societe des Artistes Francais exhibition in 1899 at just sixteen. Becoming a member of the French Artists' Society, Cortes devoted himself to capturing the essence of Paris in his celebrated cityscapes. Awarded the Silver Medal at the Salon des Artistes Francais in 1915, he continued to receive accolades throughout his career, executing variations of his primary theme: the beauty of Paris. Cortes commented that he wished to stop history in 1939 before the Second World War. His paintings by then were in demand all over the world. Cortes achieved special success in the United States and Canada, where he had first exhibited in 1945.

Celebrated as the “Parisian Poet of Painting,” Cortes was a master at capturing the vibrant energy and romantic beauty of the City of Lights. This canvas of the Boulevard des Capucines at dusk is illuminated by the warm yellow and orange blaze of lanterns and candlelight. Cortes renders the greys and browns of the buildings and overcast sky with remarkable atmospheric effect. Alive with the bustle of pedestrians and carriages near the Theatre du Vaudeville, a theater in the famed neighborhood, the street scene epitomizes the luminous and romantic Parisian setting.

The painting appears to be in good condition. Under UV examination, there is no evidence of restoration or inpainting.