Sprawling exhibition celebrates works of Jean Cocteau

The 50th anniversary of the death of Jean Cocteau, one of the most versatile figures in the history of the arts in France, will be observed on October 11.

Cocteau saw himself as basically a poet, but also wrote novels, plays and ballets, made films and worked prolifically as an artist and illustrator.

It is the last of these talents that will be on display in "Jean Cocteau: Spirit of the 20th Century Parisian Scene", to be held at City Hall Exhibition Hall next month as part of this year's Le French May.

"He had a very strong influence on major artists such as Picasso, Warhol and Matisse," says Arnaud Barthelemy , the consul general of France in Hong Kong and Macau.

"This Cocteau exhibition is an exclusive, since it was created for Le French May. It will present more than 200 of his works, including the sword made by Cartier for his entrance to the Académie Française."

The academician's sword, which Cocteau designed in 1955, has a hand-guard shaped in the artist's instantly identifiable line drawing style, illustrating one of the recurrent themes in his work, the legend of Orpheus.