Cocteau inscribes a book of line drawings to Vanity Fair editor Frank Crowninshield
Dessins.
Large 4to (235 x 287 mm). (2 blank), (4), 272, (2) ff. Contemporary three-quarter red morocco and cloth, ruled in gilt, titled in gilt on spine.
€ 1,500.00
Inscribed by French artist Jean Cocteau (1889-1963) "à Frank Crowninshield / son ami de France / Jean Cocteau", complete with a small sketched heart. Two other notes surround this dedication: one reads "acceptez cette poésie en espèranto" and the other "vive l'amérique!", a playful acknowledgement of Crowninshield's residence in Manhattan. Frank Crowninshield (1872-1947) was born in Paris to American parents; he moved to the United States for a career as a highly respected editor of Vanity Fair. At his death Crowninshield was credited with bringing the "cafe culture" of Paris - and all the artistic and cultural sensibilities that implied - to America. Cocteau was from a similar milieu, a Frenchman of the 20th century steeped in its new art forms. He was part of the vanguard of surrealist, avant-garde, and Dadaist movements, and pushed poetry, theatre, drawing, and painting in new directions. This particular volume showcases Cocteau's line drawings, almost all of human figures.
A touch of exterior wear, some toning to leaves. A fine association copy.
