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The first major Italian retrospective dedicated to Jean Cocteau (1889-1963) “The Revenge of the Juggler” is being held in Venice, at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, until mid-September.
Enfant terrible of the French artistic scene of the 20th century, icon of the avant- garde, this poet, painter, designer, playwright and filmmaker rubbed shoulders with the artistic elite of his time, personalities such as Pablo Picasso, Coco Cha- nel, Apollinaire and Edith Piaf.
More than 150 works, drawings, graphics, jewelry, tapestries, books, magazines, photographs and films, «The Revenge of the Juggler» thanks to curator Kenneth E. Silver, of New York University, explores the evolution of the unique and pro- found style and personal story of Jean Cocteau through the crucial moments of his tumultuous career.
The image of the exhibition poster, signed by photographer Philippe Halsman, presents him as a sort of Shiva, with six arms equipped with several instruments, symbols of his many talents.
His multifaceted artistic language, his provocative and eclectic nature make him an artist who embodies the cultural contradictions of his time.
Jean Cocteau
The Great God Pan (Did I Love a Dream?) (Le Grand dieu Pan [Aimai-je un rêve?]) 1958
Pastel, ink, and gouache on wove paper
149,8 x 91 cm
Collection Nouveau Musée National de Monaco
© Adagp/Comité Cocteau, Paris, by SIAE 2024.