A muted cityscape by Kees van Dongen depicts a rainy night in Paris. The warm glow of shopfronts illuminates the wet pavement and figures walking under umbrellas.

Kees van Dongen, born in the Netherlands, became a prominent figure in the Fauvist movement in France. His expressive style and bold use of colour often depicted modern life, particularly the Parisian social scene. Van Dongen's work captures the atmosphere of early 20th-century Paris, with its blend of elegance and grit. He is known for his portraits of fashionable women and scenes of urban life. His work often explores themes of modernity, beauty, and the changing social landscape. Van Dongen's artistic output includes paintings, drawings, and prints, all characterised by his distinctive style and vision. He remains an important figure in the history of modern art. 'Paris la Nuit' presents a nocturnal view of Paris under a veil of rain. The composition is dominated by muted greys and blues, punctuated by the warm glow of artificial light emanating from shopfronts. The reflections on the wet pavement add depth to the scene, while the figures walking under umbrellas contribute to the sense of urban life. The artist's use of pastel creates a soft, atmospheric effect, capturing the mood of a rainy night in the city.