Oil on canvas. Featuring portrait. Signed and attr. Kees van Dongen (Dutch-French, 1877-1968). 12 x 9.5 in (30.5 x 24.1 cm). With his emotionally complex paintings of the European upper class, Kees van Dongen helped expand and modernize the previously conventional genre of portraiture. Van Dongen was formatively influenced by his early involvement with Henri Matisse and the Fauves, and would retain a bold sense of color throughout his career. Van Dongen later joined the German artistic group Die Brucke, working with prominent Expressionist painters Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Emil Nolde, and Max Pechstein, amongst others, and engaging with themes including Primitivism and existential philosophy.

All authorship of items in this catalog are described according to the following terms:

By [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work is by the artist.

Attributed to [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work may be ascribed to the artist on the basis of style, but there may be some question as to actual authorship.

In the manner of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but was designed deliberately to emulate the style of the artist.

After [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but is a deliberate copy of a known work by the artist.

Circle of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil.

Follower of [Artist Name]: In our opinion, a work by a pupil or a follower of the artist (not necessarily a pupil).

American, 19th century : In our opinion, this work was executed by an unknown hand, and can only be identified by origin (i.e., region, period).

Bears signature : In our opinion, the signature on the artwork may be spurious.
Apocryphal : Of doubtful authenticity.