Picasso, Cocteau, and My Journey with the French Avant-Garde
Personal Reflections by François Lucet
As told to Marianne Berardi
François Lucet has spent his life immersed in the art world as an artist, collector, dealer, and traveler. His journey began in post-war France, where he crossed paths with luminaries like Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso. This account, presented by Heritage Magazine, reveals Lucet’s experiences as Cocteau’s theatre apprentice in Paris, an assistant to Picasso in Mougins, and a companion to early collectors of African art. Now residing in California, Lucet’s personal collection will feature in Heritage’s fall fine arts sales.
Early Life in France
Born on August 15, 1946, in Chevannes, a village near Paris, I was raised in Corbeil-Essonnes. My father was an artistic but selfish man, uninterested in his children, while my mother was my inspiration in the arts, instilling in me a love for creativity and a respect for women.
Moving to Paris: Gerard Gauguin, Jean Cocteau, and Alexandre de Paris
At 13, I left home for Paris, driven by my passion for the arts. I met Gerard Gauguin, and we enrolled in theatre courses. I apprenticed under the multi-talented Jean Cocteau, who became a significant influence on my life. Cocteau introduced me to the world of film, theatre, and high society. Through him, I met Alexandre de Paris, a renowned hairstylist, who hired me to sketch his clients’ hairstyles, providing me with the means to continue my studies.
Meeting Picasso
In 1962, Cocteau invited me to a dinner where I first met Pablo Picasso. Our connection grew, and in 1965, I began assisting Picasso in Mougins, helping with his exhibitions and sharing a mutual love for African art. Despite his frailty in his later years, Picasso remained a sensitive and caring genius, and our friendship deepened over time.
African Art and the Chouette
During my travels, I began collecting African art, a passion sparked by Helena Rubinstein. I brought back crates of sculptures for Picasso, who gifted me a painted metal owl to ward off seagulls on my journeys. This owl, a symbol of our friendship, remains with me today.
Final Years with Picasso
In 1968, I moved to Beausoleil to be closer to Picasso, who was still working with incredible energy despite his declining health. Our last meeting was in 1971 before I left for America, where Picasso sent me a final gift—a large drawing as a token of our time together.
Now, I live in California, cherishing the memories of my time with these giants of the art world and the lessons they imparted.
Personal Reflections by François Lucet
As told to Marianne Berardi
François Lucet has spent his life immersed in the art world as an artist, collector, dealer, and traveler. His journey began in post-war France, where he crossed paths with luminaries like Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso. This account, presented by Heritage Magazine, reveals Lucet’s experiences as Cocteau’s theatre apprentice in Paris, an assistant to Picasso in Mougins, and a companion to early collectors of African art. Now residing in California, Lucet’s personal collection will feature in Heritage’s fall fine arts sales.
Early Life in France
Born on August 15, 1946, in Chevannes, a village near Paris, I was raised in Corbeil-Essonnes. My father was an artistic but selfish man, uninterested in his children, while my mother was my inspiration in the arts, instilling in me a love for creativity and a respect for women.
Moving to Paris: Gerard Gauguin, Jean Cocteau, and Alexandre de Paris
At 13, I left home for Paris, driven by my passion for the arts. I met Gerard Gauguin, and we enrolled in theatre courses. I apprenticed under the multi-talented Jean Cocteau, who became a significant influence on my life. Cocteau introduced me to the world of film, theatre, and high society. Through him, I met Alexandre de Paris, a renowned hairstylist, who hired me to sketch his clients’ hairstyles, providing me with the means to continue my studies.
Meeting Picasso
In 1962, Cocteau invited me to a dinner where I first met Pablo Picasso. Our connection grew, and in 1965, I began assisting Picasso in Mougins, helping with his exhibitions and sharing a mutual love for African art. Despite his frailty in his later years, Picasso remained a sensitive and caring genius, and our friendship deepened over time.
African Art and the Chouette
During my travels, I began collecting African art, a passion sparked by Helena Rubinstein. I brought back crates of sculptures for Picasso, who gifted me a painted metal owl to ward off seagulls on my journeys. This owl, a symbol of our friendship, remains with me today.
Final Years with Picasso
In 1968, I moved to Beausoleil to be closer to Picasso, who was still working with incredible energy despite his declining health. Our last meeting was in 1971 before I left for America, where Picasso sent me a final gift—a large drawing as a token of our time together.
Now, I live in California, cherishing the memories of my time with these giants of the art world and the lessons they imparted.