Kees van Dongen

Kees van Dongen (Dutch: Kees van Dongen; real name Cornelis Theodorus Maria van Dongen; born January 26, 1877 in Delfshaven near Rotterdam – died May 28, 1968 in Monte Carlo) was a Dutch painter and one of the founders of Fauvism. He is best known for his stylized female portraits.

Early Years

Born January 26, 1877 in Delft, Netherlands. Studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rotterdam. In 1897, he moved to Paris, where he became part of the artistic bohemia of Montmartre.

Fauvism and Recognition

Took part in the "Wild Beast" exhibition (Salon d'Automne, 1905), considered the birth of the Fauvism movement. He worked closely with Henri Matisse, who had a strong influence on his style. Known for his vibrant, emotional portraits, often painted using dramatic color contrasts.

Themes and Style

Van Dongen focused on female figures — fashionable Parisian women, performers, and prostitutes. He used expressive lines and unnatural colors to convey emotion and personality. Eastern influences are visible in works from the 1910s–1930s.

Recognition and Success

From the 1920s, he was recognized as one of Europe’s leading portraitists. His works were exhibited in major galleries worldwide, including Bernheim-Jeune in Paris and Alfred Flechtheim in Berlin. Became a French citizen in 1929.

Last Years

After World War II, interest in his work declined, but in the 1960s there was a revival of interest in Fauvism. Died May 28, 1968 in Monaco at the age of 91.

Fun Fact

Van Dongen was known for his scandalous lifestyle — he loved luxury, high society parties, and often painted women from the demi-monde. Some critics called him the "painter of flesh" due to the sensuality of his work.

Kees van Dongen - Gallery of Masterpieces