Pablo Picasso & Jean Cocteau — Picasso de 1916 à 1961, 1962
Signed Reserved Copy — 24 Original Lithographs by Picasso
Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), illustrator
Jean Cocteau (1889–1963), author
Picasso de 1916 à 1961
Monaco: Éditions du Rocher, 1962
A superb large-format livre d’artiste bringing together two of the defining figures of twentieth-century European art and literature: Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau.
From a total edition of only 255 copies, this is one of the special copies reserved for the artist and publisher, printed on handmade paper bearing watermarked facsimile signatures of Picasso and Cocteau.
Most importantly, the volume is signed in pencil by both Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau on the justification page.
The book is illustrated throughout with 24 original lithographs by Picasso, including two double-page compositions, printed by Mourlot. Together they form an exuberant sequence of portraits, figures, and rapidly drawn linear compositions characteristic of Picasso’s graphic work of the period.
Published in celebration of Picasso and his extraordinary artistic career, Cocteau’s text provides a particularly intimate literary counterpart to the images. The collaboration is especially significant given the decades-long friendship and creative association between the two men, who occupied overlapping circles at the center of the European avant-garde.
The sheets remain loose as issued and are housed in the striking original green paper wrappers, themselves incorporating a lithographic design by Picasso. The front wrapper features a distinctive cut-out profile revealing the printed title beneath, making the binding an integral part of the overall design.
Preserved in the original protective chemise and slipcase.
Edition: One of 255 copies; this example one of the copies reserved for the artist and publisher
Signed: Signed in pencil by Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau on the justification page
Illustrations: 24 original lithographs by Picasso, including two double-page compositions
Paper: Handmade paper with watermarked facsimile signatures of Picasso and Cocteau
Publisher: Éditions du Rocher, Monaco
Date: 1962
Dimensions: Approximately 12 × 15 × 2 in.
Presentation: Loose as issued in original lithographic wrappers, chemise, and slipcase
References: Cramer 117; Bloch 1037–1060.
A particularly desirable issue of one of Picasso’s important illustrated books, distinguished by its special reserved-copy limitation, dual signatures of Picasso and Cocteau, and complete suite of 24 original lithographs.
