Kees Maks is considered an important, modern figurative artist from the beginning of the 20th century. He was a pupil of George Hendrik Breitner. While in the interbellum the avant-garde spread its influence through Europe, many artists returned to a neo-classical figuration, that became known as ‘Retour a l’ordre’. Especially in Paris these figurative artists, including Kees van Dongen gained fame. Kees Maks was known for his paintings of the fashionable night life. Circus acts, dancing couples and garden parties were until then unknown themes in Dutch art. The buoyant subjects and the frivolous way of painting, in which the artist shaped robust daubts in bright, strong colors, impressed the public. Together with Kees van Dongen and Jan Sluijters Maks's works made a stir for their modern character.