Chalk drawing, with watercolors
Signed lower right. On firm wove paper by Rives (with watermark). 48,5 x 37,5 cm (19 x 14,7 in), size of sheet

This work is accompanied by a written confirmation of authenticity from the Wildenstein Institute, Paris, dated 17 November 2006. The work will be included into the forthcoming catalog raisonné, which is currently prepared by Jacques Chalom des Cordes, Wildenstein Institute.

PROVENANCE: Collection Legier, Paris.
Galerie Pasteur, Oran/Algeria.
Private collection Germany.

Influenced by the Fauves, who he joined, Kees van Dongen found the style that would make him and his works so famous in the years after World War I. His preferred subject are women in every respect - from high society ladies to prostitutes. His studio became a salon for the glamorous world and van Dongen seemed to be very comfortable in this role. The cool blonde that we meet on this painting has an air of Lady Godiva, she is a creature of the Paris society in the 20s and 30s. Van Dongen is her chronicler, capturing her with technical subtlety in the style that is so characteristic of him. [KD].