Kees Van Dongen - Lecture

From Demi-monde to Beau Monde: The Arc of Van Dongen's Portraiture by John Klein

Kees Van Dongen was the only portraitist in the short lived but essential art movement of Fauvism at the start of the 20th century. So called by journalist Louis Vauxcelles who on visiting the Salon d'Automine in 1905 where Matisse and Van Dongen were exhibiting described it as a cage aux fauves (a cage of wild beasts) because of the primal approach and disregard for natural forms. The loose movement is now recognised as the first art movement to move away from tradition and for the upheaval of convention and paved the way to modern expressionism and cubism.

John Klein is widely regarded as a leading expert on Van Dongen's work and will be giving a free lecture in English (Catalan subtitles) on the artist, followed by a chance to see the exhibition. Free, but booking is advisable as space is limited.

Museu Picasso - July 2nd, 7.30pm.
Reservations - 93 256 30 22, museupicasso_reserves@bcn.cat