Edouard Cortes

Edouard Cortes was born on August 6, 1882 in Lagny-sur-Marne into an artistic family. His father Antonio Cortes was a Spanish painter for the Royal Court. His older brother and sister were also painters. His mother was French. He started painting as a boy and received a lot of acclaim. At the age of 17, Cortes began his studies at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. As he progressed in his career as an artist Cortes became know for his Post-Impressionist work and received the nickname of “Le Poete Parisien de la Peinture” ( the Parisian Poet of Painting ). Most of his work revolves around Parisian scenes: the streets, the shops, and the well-known buildings. During all of his career as an artist was very prolific. He is known to have said, “As long as I am able to get up and go to my easel, I will paint until my last breath, because I was born from and for painting.”

In 1914 Cortes married Fernande Joyeuse, and they had a daughter Jacqueline Simone two years later. Cortes also served in the military during World War I. He was wounded during the war and received the Croix de Guerre. After his release using his artistic talents, Cortes would draw enemy battle lines.

Cortes died on November 26, 1969 where he was born in Lagny-sur-Marne. So influential was his work that the town named a street after him.