JEAN COCTEAU
Intriguing drawing SIGNED of a fish swimming within the red border of a letter. Cocteau writes about the price of a drawing "concerning the head of dead Orpheus." and alludes to his photographs of Arthur Rimbaud.
Cocteau worries about the price of a drawing he sold. Translation "My dear friend, I am leaving your area filled with sadness and fear. Paris is a swimming pool with cold water and microbes. As far as the head (or director) of the dead Orpheus goes, I am glad that it is in your hands, but don’t let anybody know the price at which I let you have it. That sum was the one I was not going to go below. The original price was 6, so say that is what you bought it for. When I am in the mess of Paris, I will close my eyes and transport myself to the rooms where I left the best of myself. Jean Cocteau.” In a post script he adds, “Think of my colored photographs of Rimbaud!” Cocteau had been compared to acclaimed French Symbolist poet Arthur Rimbaud (1854-91) and had produced drawings and prints of him.
The letter measures 8.25 x 10.9 inches land floats on a dark gray mat overlaid with a white mat, framed in black satin finished wood, matted and framed in museum quality materials, framed in 5/8/inch black satin wood. Frame measures 15.75 x 18.375.
Original French: Lundi 7 au soir Mon cher ami Je quitte votre zone avec tristesse et crainte. Paris c’est la piscine d’eau froide et de microbes. En ce que concerne la tête ( ou chef) d’Orphée mort, je suis heureux qu’elle reste entre vos mains, mais ne dîtes à personne le prix auquel je vous les laisse. Cette somme était celle après laquelle je ne voulais plus descendre – mais la somme véritable était 6. Donc dîtes que vous l’avez acheté 6. Lorsque je serai dans le désordre Parisien, je fermerai les yeux et me transporterai dans les salles où j’ai laissé le meilleur de moi même. Votre Jean Cocteau Pensez à mes photographes e couleurs de Rimbaud.
Item #4652
Price: $2,000.00