Dessins (Drawings)

Dessins (Drawings) is a collection of Jean Cocteau’s early drawings reproduced as engravings. The work begins with a dedication to Pablo Picasso, which reads:“Dedication to Picasso. Poets don't draw. They untie the writing and then retie it in another way.That's why I'm taking the liberty of dedicating to you a few jammies done on blotters, tablecloths and envelope backs. Without your advice, I would never have dared to put them together.” Cocteau’s minimalist drawing style is reflected in Mary Reynolds’s book design, which features an inlay of black leather against a clean, white vellum spine. In this edition is a graphite drawing of a side portrait—potentially of Reynolds—that is signed with Cocteau’s name and signature star.