Drawing

1908–1912

The first volumes of poems

At nineteen he published his first volume of poems, “Aladdin’s Lamp,” and at twenty-two “The Frivolous Prince,” the title by which he soon became known in Bohemian artistic circles.

c. 1909 – 1913

Meets Proust, Gide and Barrès

In his early twenties he became associated with the writers Marcel Proust, André Gide and Maurice Barrès.

1910–1920

Formation: poet and graphic artist

In 1910–1920 he took shape as a poet — paying tribute to Dada in the collection “Poèmes” and to Surrealism in “Opéra” — and became especially well known as a graphic artist devoted to Cubism. His outlook was shaped by Erik Satie, Diaghilev’s Russian ballet, Stravinsky’s music, Picasso’s work and Apollinaire’s poetry.

1912

“Le Dieu bleu” for the Ballets Russes

He collaborated with Léon Bakst on “Le Dieu bleu” for the Ballets Russes; the principal dancers were Tamara Karsavina and Vaslav Nijinsky.

1914

Called up for the First World War

He was called up, served as an orderly at the front, and was discharged for reasons of health.

1914–1918

The war years: Apollinaire, Picasso, Modigliani

During the First World War he met the poet Guillaume Apollinaire, the artists Pablo Picasso and Amedeo Modigliani, and numerous other writers and artists with whom he later collaborated.