Van Dongen's Bardot Portrait to Auction After 60 Years
On 24 October 2026, Artcurial will auction a previously unseen portrait of Brigitte Bardot by Kees van Dongen, which has not been displayed for more than 60 years. This oil on canvas, titled 'B.B. aux yeux d'autruche' (B.B. with Ostrich Eyes), measures 130 x 97 cm and is estimated to fetch between €800,000 and €1.2 million. Created in 1959 at van Dongen's studio on 75 rue de Courcelles in Paris, the artwork showcases his distinctive sharp lines and vibrant yellow hues. The sitting took place on 12 September 1959, organized by Paris Match and photographed by Izis. Bardot, who gained fame from 'And God Created Woman' (1956), had previously posed for van Dongen in 1954. The piece, coming directly from the artist's estate, has never been publicly shown. Bardot passed away in December 2024 at the age of 91.
Key facts
- Portrait by Kees van Dongen of Brigitte Bardot, painted in 1959, to be auctioned by Artcurial on 24 October 2026.
- Estimate: €800,000–1.2 million.
- Oil on canvas, 130 x 97 cm, titled 'B.B. aux yeux d'autruche'.
- Painted in van Dongen's studio at 75 rue de Courcelles, Paris.
- Sitting arranged by Paris Match on 12 September 1959, documented by photographer Izis.
- Bardot had been painted by van Dongen once before in 1954 at Maurice Chevalier's home.
- Lithographic edition of 150 copies plus 21 artist's proofs produced.
- In 1964, the portrait was used for the poster and catalogue of the Salon des peintres témoins de leur temps at the Musée Galliera.
- Work comes from van Dongen's estate, unseen for over 60 years.
- Bardot died in December 2024 at age 91.
Entities
Artists
- Kees van Dongen
- Brigitte Bardot
- Roger Vadim
- Maurice Chevalier
- Sacha Guitry
- Arletty
- Izis
- Henri Matisse
- Maurice de Vlaminck
Institutions
- Artcurial
- Art Basel Paris
- Paris Match
- Musée Galliera
- Salon des peintres témoins de leur temps
- Salon d'Automne
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Monaco
- Marnes-la-Coquette
- 75 rue de Courcelles, Paris
- 75 rue de Courcelles