Kees van Dongen (1877–1968) was a Dutch-born painter best known for his bold colors, expressive brushwork, and striking portraits of modern women. He became one of the leading figures of Fauvism, an early 20th-century art movement that favored intense color and emotional impact over realism.

As a Fauvist, van Dongen used unnatural, vivid colors, especially reds, greens, and blues, to exaggerate form and mood. His portraits are often characterized by elongated figures, heavy outlines, and large, hypnotic eyes, giving his subjects a dramatic and sometimes provocative presence. 

One of van Dongen’s most distinctive contributions was his focus on fashionable women, dancers, and socialites. His paintings captured the glamour, sensuality, and  of early 20th-century Parisian nightlife.