Le Maillot blanc

'Le Maillot blanc' shows all the pictorial hallmarks of Van Dongen's most directly expressive Fauve manner. From 1906 onwards Van Dongen frequented cafes, circuses and cabarets in the area of his studio in the Bateau-Lavoir in Montmartre in search of models for his works, like prostitutes, acrobats, clowns and actresses. He often visited the Cirque Médrana, together with Picasso, where he would take his sketchbook to make quick drawings of the acrobats and clowns he would later use for his oils. In the present lot a female acrobat in white tights presents herself to the public. Although he chose the subject of the human body, his primary focus was on the vibrancy of palette and directness of expression rather than anatomical accuracy. With rough brushstrokes and striking forms, he chose to depict a Parisian performer in a raw, realistic way. To emphasize the body of the acrobat he depicted a bold contrast between black and white hues through the strong black outlines, suggesting a strong spotlight that creates the shade behind her. The red highlights of the woman's hair and sleeves and the raw brushstrokes capture the dynamism of this aesthetic performance and is characteristic of the bold approach to colour which earned Van Dongen a place at the forefront of the European avant-garde.

To be included in the forthcoming Kees van Dongen catalogue
critique of paintings and drawings, being prepared by Jacques Chalom Des Cordes under the sponsorship of the Wildenstein Institute.