23 - Jean Cocteau

Jean Cocteau (French, 1889-1963) Deux Personnages, 1931 India ink, pencil, stump, and brown wash on paper inscribed (upper center and center left) 12 1/2 x 9 1/2 in. (30.5 x 24.1 cm) Property from the Collection of Erik Padilla This lot is located in Chicago. Framed: 20 1/4 x 17 1/4 in. Sheet is affixed to backing board with 18 conservation tissue strips along all edges; very minor toning along extreme edges; moderate soiling along edges from medium transfer and handling; soft creases and undulations through the left and right sides, most visible only under raking light; scattered instances of very small, minor losses to left sheet edge. Additional images available upon request. The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by Annie Guédras. Lot Note: The present lot was executed by the artist in September-October 1931, during his stay at the Malartic Clinic in Toulon, where he was being treated for severe typhoid fever. The Anteil inscription very likely refers to the musician and controversial artist, George Antheil (who real name was George Carl Johann), and who was a friend of both the artist and Igor Stravinsky.