Jean Cocteau

Jean Cocteau, born in 1889 in Maisons-Laffitte, France, hailed from a bourgeois family. After the tragedy of his father’s suicide at the age of 9, he was primarily raised by his mother. Despite early struggles in school, he gravitated towards an artistic career. In 1909, he published his first collection of poems, followed closely by other literary works. Cocteau quickly made his mark in the Parisian art world, notably through his collaborations with the Ballets Russes. He also wrote for the Dada movement and became the spokesperson for the Group of Six, influencing major figures of surrealism. During World War I, he served as an ambulance driver, then returned to his artistic career after being demobilized. In the 1920s, he associated with influential figures such as Radiguet, Proust, and Gide, producing a wide range of works including ballets and novels.
The 1930s were marked by encounters with influential figures like Edith Piaf, Picasso, and Coco Chanel. His stance during the Occupation remains subject to controversy. After the war, he explored new media such as photography and cinema, notably directing “La Belle et la Bête” in 1946. In the 1960s, Cocteau continued his artistic exploration, collaborating with filmmakers like Truffaut and advocating for social causes. He passed away in 1963, leaving behind a varied and influential body of work that shaped the French cultural landscape of the 20th century.