Les amoureux IV - by Jean Cocteau, 1956 / 1975

Artist: Jean Cocteau

Medium: Original Lithograph, 1956 / 1975

Dimensions: 19.5 x 25.5 in, 49.5 x 64.8 cm

Arches Paper - Excellent Condition A

This original lithograph is from the illustrated portfolio: "Jean Cocteau: 25 Lithographies, 1956-58". This project represents a group of lithographs that Cocteau had been working on for several projects that unfortunately never were completed. The original plates from 1956 to 1958 were kept according to the wishes of the artist and eventually the project was put to press in 1975 under the supervision of the artist's estate and his long time friend and collaborator, Fernand Mourlot.

The portfolio was printed in an edition of 150 and 25 collaborator proofs in Roman numerals, by the Mourlot studio and published by A.C. Mazo, Paris. The lithographs were signed in the stone. There are also a few printer's proofs.

Cocteau was a master at representing the languid forms of his subjects in sketches. He often used no more than five or six lines to create a woman's long wavy hair, full lips, or searching eyes. An important exponent of avant-garde art, he had great influence on the work of others, including Picasso.