Jean Marais (1913-1998), Autoportrait comme Ruy Blas, c. 1947

signed 'Jean Marais' (lower left); oil on canvas; 45 3/4 x 34 3/4in (116.2 x 88.2cm). Estimate: $10,000 - 15,000

Footnote: Ruy Blas, the romantic drama by Victor Hugo, was first performed in 1838 and later adapted into a movie by Jean Cocteau in 1947, starring Jean Marais in the title role.

Bonhams. The Severin Wunderman Collection, 6 May 2009. 580 Madison Avenue, New York www.bonhams.com (Copyright © 2002-2009 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved)