Jean COCTEAU – Beautiful illustrated letter to Jean Marais – Christmas 1942.

Jean Cocteau (1889.1963)

Autograph letter signed to Jean Marais.

A quarto page decorated with a drawing.

Paris. Christmas 1942.

"We will continue to talk about you and wait for you."

A beautiful illustrated letter from Cocteau – written in his own name and that of Paul Morihien – addressed to his eternal lover, Jean Marais. On Christmas Eve, Cocteau lovingly recounts the theatrical projects and film outings that fill the hours of separation.

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" You can imagine the beautiful tree, full of stars and glory lights, that we're putting up in your room! We'll even hang bones on it for Moulou [Tristan's dog in Jean Delannoy's * L'Éternel Retour My dear Jeannot, the committee has given us the date of March 15th. That gives you time to finish *Carmen* and allows me to rehearse the play. So, on that front, everything looks good, and heaven is protecting us."

Today I don't think our Royal Palace will be involved in any festivities. We will stay home, talking about you and waiting for you. Of all celebrations, this is the most beautiful. I ask for no other. I'm going to see how your mother is doing and visit mine tomorrow. Last night, I went with Gilbert [Gilbert Gilles] to the film "Love Letters," which is like a soap bubble, but very round and iridescent. A charming show in which I particularly enjoyed François Périer. Think of us as we think of you. I kiss you from the bottom of my heart. Jean

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In 1941, during the German occupation, Jean Marais, who had been Cocteau's partner since February 1938, met Paul Morihien. The two men became lovers. Cocteau clearly didn't seem jealous of this affair, which, moreover, took place under his own roof. He welcomed Morihien so warmly that the latter quickly became his secretary.