KEES VAN DONGEN Normandie-Deauville, Le Bar du Soleil, 1960

Kees van Dongen (1877–1968) was a Dutch-French painter known for his vibrant, bold use of color and expressive portraits, often associated with the Fauvist movement. Born in Rotterdam, he studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts before moving to Paris, where he became part of the avant-garde scene. Van Dongen gained fame for his striking, often provocative depictions of women, and was a regular exhibitor at the Salon d'Automne. His style combined sensuality, vivid colors, and strong outlines, making him one of the leading figures of early 20th-century modern art.