Printer: Mourlot (1 of 200 Editions)

Dimensions: 33 x 47 cm

Condition: Very good condition.

Frame: Bespoke floating frame.

Description: Colour lithograph after Jean Cocteau, signed and dated 1961 in the stone. Produced as part of the Nous croyons en l’Europe portfolio and published by Sciaky in a deluxe edition limited to 200 copies.

Titled L’Europe, pont des civilisations — “Europe, Bridge of Civilisations” — the work presents Europe as a meeting point between peoples and cultures. Cocteau uses a group of interlocking classical profiles, one of the most recognisable motifs in his graphic work, to suggest dialogue, connection and a shared European identity.

The inscription “L’Europe notre Patrie” — “Europe, our homeland” — reinforces the optimistic post-war vision of European unity that runs throughout the portfolio.

Artist: Jean Cocteau was a French polymath and one of the principal creators of the Surrealist, avant-garde and Dadaist movements. As well as his art, he was a successful poet, playwright, novelist, designer and filmmaker, and regarded as one of the most influential artistic figures in the early 20th century. His hugely collectible artworks developed into a style often described as spare and whimsical.