Jean Cocteau Art
Jean Cocteau was a French painter, poet, designer, printmaker, playwright and filmmaker. He is one of the most important figures of French Surrealism, although he always denied being in any way connected to the movement.
Cocteau was born to a socially prominent Parisian family. His father, George Cocteau, was an amateur painter who committed suicide when Jean was only a child. Jean became famous in Bohemian circles as "The Frivolous Prince." In 1912, he collaborated with the Ballets Russes. After World War I, Cocteau met the poet Guillaume Apollinaire and the artist Pablo Picasso. In 1917, thanks to Sergei Diaghilev, a Russian impresario, Cocteau wrote a scenario for the ballet Parade — the set of this important ballet was realized by Pablo Picasso and the music was composed by Erik Satie. In the late 1920s, Cocteau wrote the libretto for Igor Stravinsky’s opera-oratorio Oedipus Rex. In 1918, he met the French poet Raymond Radiguet. They worked and went on many journeys together, and Cocteau promoted his friend's works in his artistic group.
Cocteau is well-known for his novel Les Enfants Terribles (1929) and the films The Blood of a Poet, Beauty and the Beast and Orpheus. During World War II, he created sets for the Théâtre de la Mode. In 1955, he was elected to the Académie Française and the Royal Academy of Science, Letters and Fine Arts of Belgium. He was commander of the Legion of Honour, a member of the Academié Mallarmé, the Academy of Arts (Berlin) and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Find Jean Cocteau art today on 1stDibs.
1940s Surrealist Jean Cocteau Art
Gold Leaf
Jean Cocteau art for sale on 1stDibs.
Artists Similar to Jean Cocteau
- Was Cocteau a Surrealist?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024Yes, Jean Cocteau is widely considered a Surrealist. In fact, he was one of the most influential figures associated with French Surrealism, although he always denied being in any way connected to the movement. Cocteau was a French painter, poet, designer, printmaker, playwright and filmmaker whose dreamlike work evoked the Surrealist preoccupation with the subconscious. Shop a variety of Jean Cocteau art and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- What is Jean Cocteau known for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Jean Cocteau was a man of many talents and was known for his paintings, poetry, screenplays and novels. He also was a director and sometimes an actor. Considered some of his most important works are the poem L'Ange Heurtebise, the novel Les Enfants Terribles, the play Orphée, and the movie La Belle et la Bête. Find an assortment of Cocteau art from the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Was Jean Cocteau a Surrealist?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024Yes, Jean Cocteau was a Surrealist. In fact, he is one of the most important figures of French Surrealism. However, the French painter, poet, designer, printmaker, playwright and filmmaker always denied being in any way connected to the movement. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Jean Cocteau art from some of the world's top dealers and galleries.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024What movement Jean Cocteau was a part of is open to debate. The French artist and writer is today thought of as one of the most important figures of French Surrealism. However, he always denied being in any way connected to the movement. As a result, some people simply classify his work as modernism. On 1stDibs, explore an assortment of Jean Cocteau art.