“New Bridge, Paris,” an oil on canvas masterpiece by Édouard Cortès, exemplifies the Post-Impressionism art movement. The artwork, measuring 46 x 34 cm, is a captivating cityscape that is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork portrays a bustling Parisian street scene on a damp, possibly rainy day. The bridge, which gives the piece its name, is populated with various pedestrians clad in period attire, engaged in their daily activities. To the left, a prominent equestrian statue stands, bathed in the glow of ornate street lamps that illuminate the scene with a warm, golden light. The reflections from the wet pavement add a dynamic quality to the composition. The background features softly muted buildings, whose lights bring a sense of liveliness and charm to the setting despite the overcast sky. Through his expert use of color and light, Cortès encapsulates the vibrancy and atmosphere of Parisian life in this evocative and timeless work.
