Kees is a Dutch sculptor whose work can be seen in the Principality. He created the statue of Princess Grace, which is now in the Rose Garden of Fontvieille.
Born in 1941, he dreamed at a very young age of becoming an advertising graphic designer with a passion for drawing. He joined the sculpture section of the Royal Academy of The Hague at the age of 16. It was there that he began to use the materials that would shape his artistic career, such as lost wax and terracotta.
He had his first exhibition in the Netherlands in 1964 and sold his first statue named Ruth. He got married the following year and other exhibitions came along with his growing fame.
Whilst living in Monaco, the artist created a series of dancers inspired by acrobats and their movements. He created many of his pieces in his Monégasque workshop.
Another of his works called Malizia, is located on Place du Palais. One of his most famous customers was Prince Rainier III.
Going back to the statue of Princess Grace, who died in a car accident, the sculptor was offered a place in the palace, where he worked on the statue of the Princess of the Rock.
He also worked on statuettes for the annual Princess Grace Foundation Award.
