The artwork titled “Portrait of Lily Damita, the Actress” was created by the artist Kees van Dongen in the year 1926. This portrait is executed in oil on canvas and is a fine example of the Expressionism movement. Currently, the artwork belongs to a private collection. Van Dongen’s piece is categorized as a portrait, a genre in which he was particularly adept, often capturing the character and essence of the sitter with vibrant colors and bold brushwork.
The artwork presents an expressive portrayal of the actress Lily Damita, characterizing her with a sense of elegance and poise. The subject is seated, cloaked in a luxurious white fur coat that envelops her figure, creating a stark contrast against the dark, muted background. Her face and blonde hair are depicted with lighter brush strokes, drawing the viewer’s attention to her expressions. The backdrop features a hint of luscious greenery, with a cluster of white flowers adding vibrancy to the composition. This strategic use of color and contrast exemplifies the essence of the Expressionist style, focusing on emotional expression over realistic representation. Van Dongen’s portrayal of Damita is both stylish and enigmatic, as he captures the allure and the sophisticated air that surrounds the actress.
