Cornelis Theodorus Maria ‘Kees’ van Dongen (26 January 1877 – 28 May 1968) was a Dutch–French painter who was one of the leading Fauves.[1] Van Dongen’s early work was influenced by the Hague School and symbolism and it evolved gradually into a rough pointillist style. From 1905 onwards – when he took part at the controversial 1905 Salon d’Automne exhibition – his style became more and more radical in its use of form and colour. The paintings he made in the period of 1905-1910 are considered by some to be his most important works.[2] The themes of his work from that period are predominantly centered around the nightlife; he paints dancers, singers, masquerades and theatre. Van Dongen gained a reputation for his sensuous – at times garish – portraits of especially women.
