Jean Cocteau
Two distinct Cocteau-related works are represented in the Breething Books catalog: an illustrated collaboration with Picasso and a later edition containing an attributed drawing.
Cocteau across poetry, drawing and film
Jean Cocteau (1889–1963) moved between poetry, fiction, theater, drawing and cinema. The figure of Orpheus appears across his visual and dramatic work, and his films made myth a vehicle for exploring the relationship between an artist and the world he creates. Collaboration also mattered: his final film, The Testament of Orpheus, brought friends including Picasso into its imaginative setting.
The two works below place Cocteau’s writing beside visual art in different ways. Picasso de 1916 à 1961 joins his text to Picasso’s lithographs. The later Le Grand Écart volume is distinctive because of the inscribed drawing attributed to Cocteau and its recorded association. The inscription, attribution and supporting letter concern this individual copy, rather than every example of the edition.
Cataloged books and editions
Picasso de 1916 à 1961 (1962)
Cocteau’s text accompanies 24 original lithographs by Picasso. The catalog describes a reserved copy signed by both collaborators on the justification page. Offered by inquiry. View the Picasso–Cocteau collaboration.
Le Grand Écart, suivi de Orphée (1954)
This later French edition contains an original ink drawing attributed to Jean Cocteau, inscribed “Affectueusement, Jean.” The catalog records its Martin Shuttleworth association and an accompanying estate letter. The attribution remains qualified. View the inscribed drawing and association copy.
Browse Art Books, Prints and Artist Portfolios or New Arrivals. For questions about a copy, email breethingbooks@gmail.com.
Edition notes
Picasso–Cocteau: distinguish the pencil signatures and watermarked facsimiles
Explore related material
Inscribed Books · Livres d’Artiste · Artists & Authors
Check each item page for current availability. These artist and edition notes remain useful after a copy sells; browse the Sold Archive for recorded past holdings.
Further reading
Background: a single artwork or illustrated design from the cataloged Jean Cocteau holding.