Le Coquelicot or “The Corn Poppy” is an oil-on-canvas painting created by Kees Van Dongen in 1919. Currently, the original piece is housed at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas. Van Dongen, a Dutch-French artist, gained recognition for his sensational artwork characterized by almond-eyed women and images of the bourgeois leisure class. His earlier works from 1905-1910 revolve around the theme of nightlife and are highly regarded by some as his most vital works.
Van Dongen’s artistic style is notably sensual, often elongating women’s features to give them an elegant, somewhat dangerous look. “Le Coquelicot” is a prime example of this. The painting depicts a striking lady in front of a vibrant red background, sporting a red poppy on her hat. The woman’s face bears a serene expression as she looks off to the side, emphasizing her elegance and poise. In addition to this iconic image, Van Dongen’s legacy flourished in the world of painting, attracting art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
