Edouard Léon Cortès, born in Lagny, France on August 6th in 1882 belonged to a family of artists. His father Antonio Cortes, painter at the Royal Court of Spain, at the age of 20 years and professor of art painting, came to France and settled early. Edouard showed very early exceptional qualities and has been accepted at the "Salon des artistes français" at the age of 16. From then on, his talent became known in all the galleries of Europe, where his works were appreciated with remarkable success. An ultimate homage was paid to him in the last moments of his life by the Vicennes Exposition to which he participated among a hundred and seventeen other painters from the province and foreign countries. The Prix d'Honneur of this important event gathering 239 canvasses were given to him. Part of his secret comes from his sense of values and eclat of light somtimes surprising, at the time where so many uncertain styles are sought. It was at the turn of the century, c.1900, that he began to paint the scenes that he would become most famous for – Paris’ streets and monuments. One of the more prolific artists of his time, Cortès found his niche and stayed with it. His views of Paris are among the most telling and beautiful images of this genre; capturing the city during all it’s seasons for more than 60 years. His beautiful depictions of Paris were always in demand and he continued to paint them until his death in 1969.