Jean Cocteau Appraisal

Jean Cocteau Profile Portrait Print (Limited Edition)

The item is a framed fine art print, likely a lithograph or serigraph, featuring a distinctive profile portrait rendered in a continuous line style. The artwork depicts a stylized head, possibly male, with flowing, curvilinear hair and a prominent, angular nose and chin. The eye is depicted simply as a circle with a dot, and the overall aesthetic is minimalist yet expressive. The dominant colors of the print are a vibrant teal or light green for the line work set against a dark, possibly black or very dark grey, background. The lines of the artwork themselves are clean and consistent in thickness, suggesting a high-quality printing process. A decorative, wavy border encircles the central image, echoing the fluidity of the hair. Several inscriptions are visible on the print. In the lower right quadrant, a signature appears to read "Jean Cocteau" followed by a distinct 'x' symbol and what looks like a date 'x 1919'. Below this, another larger signature reads "Jean Cocteau" with a similar 'x' below it, suggesting an autograph. In the lower-left corner, '119 / 199' is visible, indicating that this is a numbered print, likely from a limited edition of 199 copies, with this specific piece being number 119. The print is housed behind glass in a simple, modern frame with a light, possibly natural wood or champagne-colored, finish and a dark inner mat or spacer. Reflections on the glass indicate it is a glazed frame. The print appears to be in good condition with no immediately visible tears, creases, or significant discoloration. The clarity of the lines and the rich background color suggest good preservation. The style is characteristic of Jean Cocteau's modernist line drawings and could date from the early to mid-20th century, consistent with the visible '1919' date, though it's important to verify if this date refers to the original drawing or the print's production.