This early sight of the Arc-the-Triomphe in Paris was painted by the French artist Edouard-Leon Cortes. Born in 1882, he started at the turn of the previous century, ca.1900, to paint the scenes that he would become most famous for: the streets and monuments of Paris. His views of the city are considered to be the most telling and beautiful images of this genre. He kept on capturing the city during all seasons for more than sixty years. He died in 1969 but his works still remain very much en vogue. A painting similar like the one on the photo recently turned up during a Dutch TV-programme where people bring their collectibles to have them valued by experts. Although Cortes painted many pictures during his lifetime and many of them can still be found, this newly discovered painting was valued between 20.000 and 30.000 euro’s.

photo courtesy Rehs Galleries

September 4, 2005