Festival de Lyon Autoportrait en Neptune 1964

This striking original 1964 poster was created by Kees van Dongen for the Festival de Lyon, promoting an exhibition held at the Musée des Beaux-Arts – Palais Saint-Pierre. The image features an unforgettable self-portrait of the artist as Neptune, the Roman god of the sea—depicted with whimsical grandeur, draped in seaweed, adorned in red beads, and crowned with a fish-shaped headdress.

The composition is a brilliant fusion of classical reference and modern irony, hallmarks of van Dongen’s late style. A luxury cruise ship looms in the background, and Neptune’s wild, theatrical costume alludes as much to the spectacle of 20th-century modernity as to ancient mythology.

Van Dongen—one of the great figures of Fauvism—was renowned for his vibrant color, satirical wit, and fascination with glamour. This poster not only publicizes a major retrospective of his work, but also serves as a final flourish from an artist who never lost his flamboyant touch.

Now a collectible piece of mid-century graphic design, this poster is both a joyful visual feast and a self-aware signature from a master of modern portraiture.

Exhibition - Post Impressionism

Museum of beautiful art - Palace Saint-Pierre

Mourlot

Good condition , light folds