Kees van Dongen

Private Collection (acquired from the family of the artist; sale: Christie’s, New York, 1st May 1996, lot 393)
Private Collection, The Netherlands
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Paper laid down on canvas. UV light reveals areas of fluorescence in places which relate to the pigments used. This work is in overall good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Marella Agnelli, born Princess Donna Marella Caracciolo di Castagneto, became celebrated as one of Truman Capote’s ‘Swans’, an extraordinarily exclusive group of women which included Babe Paley and C.Z. Guest who were an integral part of the international jet set throughout the 1950s and 60s. The daughter of an Italian nobleman and an American mother, Marella entered a world of unparalleled wealth and luxury when she married Gianni Agnelli, chairman of Fiat, in 1953. In her memoirs, Marella recalled the glamorous aura exuded by the Agnelli clan: ‘The Agnellis had been at the center of what was known then as “the fast set.” They led a glamorous life of parties, streamlined yachts, fast cars, and luxurious villas’ (quoted in The Last Swan, New York, 2014). Throughout her marriage to Gianni, which lasted until his death in 2003, Marella was a core member of the international social circuit which revolved around various locations in Europe and the US, becoming close friends with important figures of the day, such as President Kennedy, as well as Truman Capote and many others. The Agnellis built up a remarkable collection of Modern and Contemporary art and commissioned leading artists of the day to execute their portraits. Kees Van Dongen’s Portrait de Mme Agnelli was painted two years after her marriage, and imbues its subject with all the grace and elegance for which she remains internationally renowned.