Cornelis Theodorus Maria 'Kees' van Dongen was a Dutch-French painter who was one of the leading Fauves. 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. 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.
Wikipedia
“Painting is the most beautiful lie.”
Alternative:
Painting is the most beautiful of lies.
Source: Modern Dutch painting: an introduction, Netherlands Information Service, (1960), p. 26
Source: Dossier pédagogique, Service culturel, Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Mars 2011
“Life is beautiful, and this work is even more beautiful than life.”
Source: Modern Dutch painting: an introduction, Netherlands Information Service, (1960), p. 26
Source: Dossier pédagogique, Service culturel, Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Mars 2011
