Édouard Henri Leon Cortès French, 1882-1969

Cortès’ Porte St. Denis en Hiver encapsulates the bustling atmosphere of a winter’s evening in Paris. The composition presents an eastern view of the iconic Porte Saint-Denis triumphal arch, with the Boulevard St Denis stretching out before it. Cortès skilfully captures the dynamic energy of the moment as the streets come alive with activity. Horse-drawn carts and coaches fill the road, whilst locals gather around the restaurants and bars as they begin to open. Noteworthy is Cortès' adept handling of light, as he expertly captures the unique ambiance of the winter evening. His treatment of light and shadow creates a mesmerizing chiaroscuro effect, enhancing the depth and drama of the composition. Furthermore, the artist’s ability to capture the subtle nuances of natural and artificial light not only showcases his technical proficiency but also underscores his keen understanding of how light shapes perception and emotion. In Porte St. Denis en Hiver, Cortès looks beyond the confines of mere representation to craft a captivating visual narrative that transports viewers to the heart of a winter evening in Paris, where the play of light becomes an integral part of the city's enchanting allure. This exquisite painting was acquired by Gladwell & Company in 1966 and was sold to a Private British Collector shortly before the artists death in 1969. This painting has been held in this Private Collection for over fifty years, and we are delighted to present it to the public for the first time in decades.