Kees van Dongen

Kees van Dongen was a Dutch-French painter known for his leading role in the Fauvist movement and his stylized portraits of women, including famous celebrities like Brigitte Bardot.

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Birth Name :

Cornelis Theodorus Maria van Dongen

Profession :

Painter

Birthday :

January 26, 1877

Star Sign :

Aquarius

Death Date:

May 28, 1968

Age :

91

Birthplace :

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Kees van Dongen, a Dutch-French painter, was a prominent figure in the Fauvist movement during the early 20th century. Renowned for his bold use of color and sensual depictions of women, his work evolved from influences of the Hague School and symbolism into a distinctive rough pointillist style. Some of his most celebrated paintings include “La Berceuse,” “Femme aux roses,” and “The Corn Poppy.”

In addition to his acclaimed paintings, van Dongen also ventured into designing theater sets and costumes for various productions, such as the Ballets Russes in 1912. Collaborating with the esteemed Russian ballet impresario Sergei Diaghilev, he created the costumes for the ballet “Cleopatra” and both the set and costumes for “La belle au bois dormant” (The Sleeping Beauty). His designs were characterized by their inventive motifs and striking use of color.

Van Dongen’s talent extended to painting portraits of fashionable celebrities, including French actress Brigitte Bardot and dancer Josephine Baker. His stylized and sensuous portrayals of women gained particular recognition, solidifying his status as one of the leading artists of his time. Today, his contributions to the art world continue to be celebrated and admired.