Comic Strips

Since its creation in 2005, the Comic Strips department has become the world leader in this speciality and is committed to offering works that reflect the entire universe of the “neuvième art”: original plates, illustrations, albums or rare items.

Exceptional results punctuate auctions organised by this department, headed by Éric Leroy, notably the records reached for works by Hergé during the sales entitled The World of Hergé, Tintin’s creator. In 2021, Artcurial broke the world record for a work by Hergé sold at auction with the illustration of The Lotus Bleu, which was sold for €3.2m. In 2023, Artcurial set the world record for an original black and white drawing by Hergé with the auction of the cover design for Tintin in America at €2.1m.

In order to promote comic strips to international enthusiasts interested in graphic arts and European culture, two sales were held in Hong Kong in 2015 and 2016. The department has also contributed to the international development of this market, notably with Enki Bilal’s Inbox installation at the Cini Foundation during the 56th Venice Biennale in 2015. In 2016, Enki Bilal presented the Inbox Hybridization [in love] series of paintings at the prestigious Chanel Nexus Hall in Tokyo in partnership with Chanel’s Japanese subsidiary. In 2022, the department presented a sale dedicated to the artist in Monaco, which achieved impressive results.

Single-artist sales dedicated to other artists such as Sempé and Jidéhem also contributed to the department’s excellent reputation due to their outstanding results.

Artcurial’s specialists are at your disposal for free and confidential valuations of your drawings and comic strips.