B. 1889 - 1963

Jean Cocteau was a renowned French artist and poet during the Dada and Surrealist movements of the early 1900s. Born in 1889 in Maison-Laffitte, France Cocteau regularly drew his friends in figurative and candid forms. He took inspiration from a broad spectrum of interests such as Cubism, the avant-garde, Catholicism, and maintained long term friendships with artists such as Pablo Picasso and Francis Picabia. Cocteau was widely recognised for his poetry, films and plays; however he also established himself as a prominent printmaker and painter in Paris. Referring to his artworks, Cocteau observed that “Poets don’t draw, they unravel their handwriting and then tie it up again, but differently.” This philosophy permeates through his art practice, most notably in the development of his signature linework.

By the 1920s, Cocteau’s drawings played a key role in the resurgence of classical themes in Modernist theatre and art. He became fascinated with philosopher Jacques Maritain, no doubt due to his interest in Catholicism, which is evident in ‘Etude pour Le Christ (Study for Christ).’

In the present day, Cocteau’s works are held in significant international collections including the Museum of Modern Art (New York), the National Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C). The ongoing strength of his presence in the secondary art market demonstrates his continued relevance to contemporary audiences.

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