Cortès was born in Lagny, France on April 26, 1882. During his early lifetime, Paris was the center of the art world. Artist from across the globe traveled there to study and paint it's beautiful countryside and cities; views of Paris, or as it became known 'the City of Lights', were in great demand by both collectors and tourists. Édouard Cortès, along with other artists like Eugene Galien-Laloue (1854-1941), Luigi Loir (1845-1916) and Jean Beraud (1849-1936) answered their call.

Specializing in Paris street scenes, each of these artists captured the city during its heyday and continued with these scenes well into the 20th century.Édouard was the son of Antonio Cortès - the Spanish Court painter - who was himself the son of ...