Theo van Doesburg Theo van Doesburg Theo van Doesburg (, 30 August 1883 – 7 March 1931) was a Dutch artist, who practiced painting, writing, poetry and architecture. He is best known as the founder and leader of De Stijl. He was married to artist, pianist and choreographer Nelly van Doesburg. Theo van Doesburg was born Christian Emil Marie Küpper on 30 August 1883, in Utrecht, the Netherlands, as the son of the photographer and Henrietta Catherina Margadant. After a short training in acting and singing he decided to become a painter. He always regarded his stepfather, Theodorus Doesburg, to be his natural
Nelly van Doesburg parents did not appreciate the association with Van Doesburg, who was not only Protestant, but also married. She ran away from home around the turn of the year from 1920-1921 and was received in Leiden by J.J.P. Oud and Van Doesburg's wife Lena Milius. During her relationship with Van Doesburg she was introduced to the world of modern art. Van Doesburg took her on a lecture tour through Europe in March 1921, during which they also visited Piet Mondriaan in Paris. From April 1921 she lived with Van Doesburg in Weimar. In December she spent a few weeks in Vienna