Cornelis Marie (Kees) Roovers (Rotterdam, March 6, 1890 – The Hague, February 26, 1978) was a versatile Dutch artist, active as a painter, draftsman, and sculptor. He trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rotterdam and then moved to Paris, where he lived for six years and was influenced by the modern art movements of his time.
Roovers's oeuvre is rich and varied. He worked in a variety of genres, including cityscapes, figure paintings, landscapes, and still lifes. One of his best-known works is "Docs in Café De Posthoorn, The Hague," in which his interest in everyday city life and human interaction is clearly evident. His paintings are mostly executed in oil on canvas or board and are characterized by a precise composition and a lively, sometimes slightly expressionistic touch.
Besides painting, Roovers was active in a multidisciplinary field. He produced lithographs, woodcuts, pen and pastel drawings, and also worked as a calligrapher and medalist, underscoring his broad mastery of the craft. In 1932, he participated in the art competitions during the Summer Olympics, a recognition that confirmed his international standing.
During his life, Roovers lived and worked in Rotterdam, Paris, Brussels, and The Hague, among other places. His work is currently held in private collections and regularly appears at auctions and specialized art dealers.
