The Message (c.1935)

Jean Maurice Eugène Clément Cocteau was a French poet, novelist, dramatist, designer, boxing manager, playwright and filmmaker. A giant of the avant-garde, Cocteau’s circle of associates, friends and lovers included Jean Marais, Henri Bernstein, Colette, Édith Piaf and Raymond Radiguet. His work was played out in the theatrical world of the Grands Theatres, the Boulevards and beyond during the Parisian epoque he both lived through and helped define and create.

Cocteau’s work has been offered at auction multiple times, the record price being 178,111 USD for Judith et Holophern sold at Vermot & Ass in 2020.