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Auction: 22066 - Historical Documents, Postal History & Autographs - Featuring the Robin Hunt Collection
Lot: 2042

France
Jean Cocteau
1955-60 an important archive of nine autograph letters signed with transcriptions, each complete with original hand addressed stamped envelopes, sent from Jean Cocteau to Jaxqueline Roque (The wife of Pablo Picasso. The contents are hugely insightful as to the nature of their relationship; Cocteau refers to Roque as "My Jacqueline", "Little goat of Mr. Seguin", "Faithful Grelot (Bell)", "Lola de Valence" and "Little Doe Belly", referring to Picasso as "the magnificent one" and "Paco".

In a letter of 1955 (26 July) Cocteau writes "If I am bothering you it is because I see time is getting shorter and this sword is dear to my hear ... You alone with your persuasive softness and exquisite tenderness are capable of releasing this blade from its cottoned sleeve and place it in the hands of Picasso. Between two film transparencies, he would finish it. Between two vase at Mrs. Remie's. A simple mixture of twigs, goose feathers, laurel, and olive branches would becomes like his goats and if the dentist's involvement bothers him, I would entrust the task to Cartier who would handle it, but do not leave me in the dark. I am so overwhelmed by work and tourists, but a word from you would give me strength. S.O.S. from Cap Santo-Sospir."

1955 (12 August) "A kiss on your admirable snout that consoles the buttocks of Miss Beach, Miss Europe, an Miss Earth."

1955 (20 August):
"S.O.S.
Blue bell, where are you, where are you all?
In the magazines we still are somewhat together. But...
I have four days of recording speeches. Remains the sword"

A pencil illustration of a male in glasses and a female having sex is set within the text. Accompanied by Union Francaise de Experts certificate (2019)

Among other references to his work, Cocteau refers to his poem "La party d'echecs" and his speech at the Royal Academy of Belgium. Much of the content places Cocteau firmly in the circle of Picasso, or what Cocteau refers to as the "heroic epoch" comprising individuals such as Roland Penrose, Fernand Leger, Suzanne Ramie and Apollinaire, all of whom are mentioned.

A remarkable group.

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Estimate
£3,000 to £6,000

Starting price
£2400