Cocteau (Jean) 9 Autograph Letters signed "Jean" to Jacqueline Roque, 1 with drawing, 11pp. & 9 envelopes, folds, v.s., v.p., 26 July 1955 - 20 August 1960.

⁂ An excellent collection of letters from Cocteau to Picasso's mistress and future wife Jacqueline Rocque including a drawing of a couple (possibly Picasso and Rocque) having vigorous sex (the drawing accompanied by a Accompanied by Union Francaise de Experts certificate).

Cocteau is at turns flirting, poetic and often obscure, referring to Picasso variously as "the magnificent one" and "Paco" and to Rocque as "My Jacqueline", "Little goat of Mr. Seguin", "Faithful Grelot (Bell)", "Lola de Valence" and "Little Doe Belly". He discusses his poetry and compares himself directly to the painter "[I am the only one to use ink like Picasso and the painters use paint and the only one to break tradition in order to reconstruct and reorganise the words.]"

In another letter Cocteau discusses his famous sword, created by Cartier for his inauguration to the Academie Francaise. Cocteau it seems initially hoped for Picasso to provide the original design although ultimately Cocteau was to design the outline himself.