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Jean Cocteau Art

French

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.

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Artist: Jean Cocteau
Original Ceramic Pendant Set: Chèvre-Pied & Double Masque, 1958
Original Ceramic Pendant Set: Chèvre-Pied & Double Masque, 1958

Original Ceramic Pendant Set: Chèvre-Pied & Double Masque, 1958

By Jean Cocteau

Located in CANNES, FR

Jean Cocteau (1889-1963) céramiques originales de Jean Cocteau . Pendentifs : "Chèvre-pied " 1958. pendentif ovale (9cm x7cm) . variante terre blanche en relief. " double masque " 1...

Category

1950s Surrealist Jean Cocteau Art

Materials

Ceramic

Original Vintage Air France Paris Poster by Jean Cocteau c1955

Original Vintage Air France Paris Poster by Jean Cocteau c1955

By Jean Cocteau

Located in Boca Raton, FL

The Parisian Woman is one of legend - elegant, carefree, and endlessly chic. Jean Cocteau used this motif in his lighthearted design for Air France. Scarf tied around her hair, with the ubiquitous cigarette in hand, the woman gazes out above the City of Lights. Her smoke curls into text, turning into the tracks of an airplane in the sky. Jean Cocteau (1889 -1963) was a French poet, designer, playwright, artist and filmmaker. Cocteau was a member of the social elite in Paris and was close with cultural icons such as Pablo Picasso, Marlene Dietrich, Coco Chanel, Igor Stravinsky, Édith Piaf, and Jean Genet. He sought to explore all arenas of the art world instead of focusing on one branch, which was considered controversial at the time. As an artist, Cocteau belonged to the Return to Order School (coined after one of his literary works), which rejected cubism and the avant-garde. Stylistically, his art combines elements of Romanticism and Surrealism in unique ways. Air France was formed in 1933 through a merger of several smaller international companies. These smaller airlines had already built extensive networks across the world, and when combined under the Air France umbrella they created an exciting accessibility to fliers. Air France remains one of the most highly regarded international airlines, servicing 78 countries around the world. It served as France's primary national flag carrier for seven decades prior to its 2003 merger with KLM...

Category

1950s Jean Cocteau Art

Materials

Lithograph

Jean Cocteau - Marine Mountains - Original Lithograph
Jean Cocteau - Marine Mountains - Original Lithograph

Jean Cocteau - Marine Mountains - Original Lithograph

By Jean Cocteau

Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH

Jean Cocteau - Marine Mountains - Original Lithograph Dimensions: 38 x 28 cm Edition: 200 In Rives From: COCTEAU. — VERDET (André). Montagnes marines. S. l. (Paris), Les Messagers du...

Category

1960s Modern Jean Cocteau Art

Materials

Lithograph

Exceptional set of complete works, dedicated, with 8 original endpage drawings
Exceptional set of complete works, dedicated, with 8 original endpage drawings

Exceptional set of complete works, dedicated, with 8 original endpage drawings

By Jean Cocteau

Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH

Jean Cocteau Exceptional copy of the complete works in 9 volumes, dedicated to Jacques Fonson, 8 with original endpage drawings Half bound in red morocco with gold lettering 8 volum...

Category

1940s Surrealist Jean Cocteau Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Jean Cocteau art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Jean Cocteau art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of orange, blue, pink and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Jean Cocteau in lithograph, paper, ink and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the modern style. Not every interior allows for large Jean Cocteau art, so small editions measuring 3 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Leonor Fini, Georges Braque, and Henri Matisse. Jean Cocteau art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $75 and tops out at $60,065, while the average work can sell for $1,297.
Questions About Jean Cocteau Art
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Jean 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024
    Yes, 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
    Yes, 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, 2024
    What 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.