Sale 2514 - The Pride Sale, June 20, 2019

58 c JEAN COCTEAU (1889-1963) Original sketchbook. Le Mystère et Antigone [cover title]. Contains 25 sketches, primarily of his assistant and lover, Jean Desbordes. Others of set designs and a short list of supplies. Graphite, pen, and watercolor. 12 3 / 4 x9 1 / 2 inches, 32 1 / 2 x24 cm, spiral- bound grey cardboard covers by Esquisse, with Cocteau’s manuscript title and date on front cover, male profile and Cocteau’s star symbol on rear cover, moderately soiled and with some creasing; one page loose. Saint Mandrier August, 1932. [30,000/40,000] In 1932, Cocteau and Desbordes, known as “Bebe,” his muse and model for his famous work “Dormeur,” left for Saint Mandrier. In addition to these 14 sketches of him nude, lying down, sitting, or in 3 / 4 profile, there are 9 stage sets, possibly for Antigone (indicated by the cover title) and The Infernal Machine. A list of art supplies occupies the last page of the sketchbook. A marvelous look into the creative process of one of the most prolific and widely-talented artists of the 20th century.