Kees van Dongen (1877 - 1968) - photo 1

Kees van Dongen

Kees van Dongen was a Dutch-French painter renowned for his vivid and expressive works that placed him at the forefront of the Fauvist movement. Born in 1877 in Delfshaven, Netherlands, van Dongen's journey into the art world began with his education at the Akademie voor Beeldende Kunsten in Rotterdam. His move to Paris in 1897 marked a pivotal moment in his career, immersing him in the bustling avant-garde scene and connecting him with influential circles, including Pablo Picasso and the Fauves. Van Dongen's art, characterized by its striking use of color and bold brushwork, captured the essence of his subjects with a unique blend of realism and abstraction.

Van Dongen's work evolved significantly over time, initially influenced by the dark tones of his Dutch heritage and the works of Rembrandt. His encounter with Fauvism around 1906 brought a dramatic shift towards brighter, more vibrant colors, marking his most iconic phase. His ability to capture the sensuousness and personality of his subjects made him a sought-after portraitist among the French bourgeoisie and celebrities of his time. Notable works include "Femme aux bas noirs" (Woman with Black Stockings), "Les lutteuses" (Lutteuses du Tabarin), and "The Dancer Anita," showcasing his fascination with the human figure, particularly sensuous depictions of women​​​​​​.

Beyond his remarkable contributions to Fauvism, van Dongen's ventures into illustration and his role as a society portraitist underscore his diverse talents and adaptability to the changing tastes of the art market. His works are celebrated in major collections worldwide, including the Hermitage Museum and the National Gallery of Denmark, affirming his lasting impact on the art world​​.

Collectors and art experts continue to appreciate van Dongen's work for its bold experimentation with color, form, and the evocative portrayal of his subjects. His legacy lives on as a testament to the vibrancy and dynamism of early 20th-century modern art.

For those keen to explore van Dongen's captivating works further and stay informed about new discoveries, exhibitions, and auction events related to his art, signing up for updates is a must. This ensures direct access to the latest sales and scholarly insights into the painter's rich oeuvre, a valuable resource for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Date and place of birt:26 january 1877, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Date and place of death:28 may 1968, Monte Carlo, Monaco
Nationality:Monaco, France, The Netherlands
Period of activity: XIX, XX century
Specialization:Animalist, Artist, Landscape painter, Painter, Portraitist
Art school / group:Die Brücke, Salon d'Automne, School of Paris
Genre:Animalistic, Landscape painting, Nude art, Portrait, Still life
Art style:Fauvism, Post-Impressionism

Creators Monaco

Jean-Michel Folon (1934 - 2005)
Jean-Michel Folon
1934 - 2005
Jean-Claude Novaro (1943 - 2014)
Jean-Claude Novaro
1943 - 2014

Creators Fauvism

Giuseppe Cominetti (1882 - 1930)
Giuseppe Cominetti
1882 - 1930
Peter Bömmels (1951)
Peter Bömmels
1951
Adolf Behrman (1876 - 1943)
Adolf Behrman
1876 - 1943
Reuven Rubin (1893 - 1974)
Reuven Rubin
1893 - 1974
Leo von König (1871 - 1944)
Leo von König
1871 - 1944
Piero Marussig (1879 - 1937)
Piero Marussig
1879 - 1937
Emil Orlik (1870 - 1932)
Emil Orlik
1870 - 1932
Léon de Smet (1881 - 1966)
Léon de Smet
1881 - 1966
Vitaly Nikolaevich Goryaev (1910 - 1982)
Vitaly Nikolaevich Goryaev
1910 - 1982
Jules Cavailles (1901 - 1977)
Jules Cavailles
1901 - 1977
Auguste Herbin (1882 - 1960)
Auguste Herbin
1882 - 1960
Robert Humblot (1907 - 1962)
Robert Humblot
1907 - 1962
George Wright (1860 - 1944)
George Wright
1860 - 1944
Aleksandr Dmitrievich Aref'ev (1931 - 1978)
Aleksandr Dmitrievich Aref'ev
1931 - 1978
Theodor Pallady (1871 - 1956)
Theodor Pallady
1871 - 1956
Ida Kerkovius (1879 - 1970)
Ida Kerkovius
1879 - 1970