COCTEAU Jean (1889-1963) Lot n° 38

Autograph letter signed "Jean" addressed to Max JACOB. S.d. between 9 and 15 March 1925], 2 pages in-4 in ink. (Traces of folds.) BEAUTIFUL AND MOVING LETTER, WRITTEN DURING A DETOXICATION CURE AT THE CLINIQUE DES THERMES URBAINS IN PARIS. Exhausted by the treatment, Cocteau begins the letter by apologizing to his friend. "Forgive me for writing so badly & such silly things - this is the first [sic!] letter allowed by the doctor and I have no strength. I cannot yet go from bed to table, but my darling, my poor, wonderful child, you will never understand that 'my silences' on your poems have no blame significance -- that the slightest loop of one of your letters has already prestige for my eyes and my heart -- that I approve of you in advance as did the admirers of Sarah Bernhardt [...]....] Since the day before yesterday I am out of danger -- so the doctor doesn't even listen to me anymore and leaves me with a tulle of nerves around my left lung and atrocious egrets [...] Very happy about Hugnet being released from the service [...] My Max, I love you. Your friendship, your kindness for my work are all my reward. I embrace you, Jean".