Artist of the Day, November 7, 2026 : Kees van Dongen, a Dutch-French painter (#2672)

Cornelis Theodorus Maria "Kees" van Dongen (1877 – 1968) was a prominent Dutch-French painter and printmaker who achieved international renown for his contributions to early twentieth-century modernism. Born in Delfshaven, Netherlands, he pursued his formal art education at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Rotterdam between 1892 and 1897 before relocating to Paris, where he eventually obtained French citizenship. As a professional artist, van Dongen initially established himself as a satirical illustrator for prominent French periodicals before successfully transitioning into a prolific, full-time painter.

His signature style is inextricably linked with Fauvism and Expressionism, characterized by a radical departure from traditional realism in favor of vibrant, unblended colors, bold contours, and highly stylized forms. Van Dongen’s major professional accomplishments include his participation in the historic 1905 Salon d’Automne exhibition alongside Henri Matisse, which effectively launched the Fauvist movement, and his subsequent induction into the prestigious French Legion of Honor in 1926. A definitive career highlight was his highly lucrative transition into a premier high-society portraitist during the 1920s, during which he captured the glamour and elite lifestyle of the Parisian avant-garde and international bourgeoisie.

Ultimately, van Dongen is best remembered for his sensuous, psychologically charged portraits of women, which frequently featured exaggerated features such as oversized, almond-shaped eyes and vivid red lips. His innovative approach to color and composition fundamentally redefined the boundaries of modern portraiture, securing his legacy as a pivotal figure who successfully bridged the gap between radical avant-garde experimentation and sophisticated commercial prestige in the global art market.

© 2026. All content on this blog is protected by international copyright laws All images are copyrighted © by Kees van Dongen or assignee. Apart from fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, the use of any image from this site is prohibited unless prior written permission is obtained. All images used for illustrative purposes only

 

Kees van Dongen

1903  La Parisienne de Montmartre

1903-05  Nue de dos / Standing Nude from Behind

1906  Femme au grand chapeau / Woman with Large Hat

1907  Femme aux bas noirs / Woman with Black Stockings

1907-08  Les lutteuses / Lutteuses du Tabarin

1907-08  La danseuse Anita / The Dancer Anita

1910  La femme au jabot / The Woman with a Jabot

1911 Lucie and her Dance-Partner

1913  Portrait of Charles Rappoport

1913  Woman with a fan

1915  Les deux cousines / The Two Cousins

1918  Conte des 1001 Nuits

1918  Conte des 1001 Nuits

1919  La robe rose / Ève Francis

1919  Le lévrier bleu / Le chien bleu, Portrait de Mlle Dumarest

1920  La Baigneuse, Deauville

1920  Mme Jasmy Alvin

1920 The Sphinx

1921  La femme au foulard / The Woman with the Scarf

1923  Madame Georges Menier

1925  Claudine

1930  L'Écuyère Rosa / Rosa, the Circus Rider

1948  Cérès  Buste De Femme

1948  Fille au Fleurs

1950  Claudine, Mlle Oeuil de Lynx

1950  Marie Claire

1960  Le Coquelicot

1960  Mannequins