Kees van Dongen
(Delfshaven 1877 – Monte Carlo 1968)
La Marquise de Casati (c. 1950)
Signed lr and numbered 112/195 ll
Color lithograph, 71.4 x 46.3 cm
Literature:
J. Juffermans / J. Juffermans Jr., Kees van Dongen: The complete graphic work, AW Bruna Publishers, Utrecht, 2010, page 86, JL 44 (ill.)
NB:
Luisa Casati Marquess of Rome (1881-1957) was an eccentric heiress and fashion icon. She traveled extensively in Europe and was part of high society in London, Paris, Rome and Venice. Her life was filled with balls, banquets and parties, often organized by herself. Her flamboyant appearance and her scandalous love life were a regular feature in the newspapers. Casati was the muse and patron of many artists. She was one of the most portrayed women of her time. A well-known expression by her was: “I want to be a living work of art”. Van Dongen also fell for her extravagance and to him she functioned as a recurring muse.
The edition of this lot was only partly issued; a sizeable portion of the edition was lost due to water damage.