Press release : From Cannes : letters and drawings from a comic book enthusiast

HERGÉ (Georges Remi, 1907-1983)
Rare small signed drawing

A special bond can sometimes develop between a comic book reader and an artist. Mr S.’s collection is a fine example of this. For years, he exchanged numerous letters with Hergé, Bob de Moor, and a few others. And he was fortunate enough to receive many signed copies in return, as well as original artwork.

It is an exceptional collection, distinguished by the number of letters and autographs exchanged, as well as the presence of high-quality original drawings, according to comic book expert Pauline Testut.

This sale features moving letters from the creator of Tintin, offering a glimpse into the life of Hergé, one of the greatest names in the world of comic books. Some letters are illustrated with drawings, notably small portraits of Tintin and Snowy, figures often found in this type of correspondence, but also rarer dedications, such as a depiction of Quick and Flupke (lot 29).

Lot 29 - HERGÉ (Georges Remi, 1907-1983)

Rare small signed and dated sketch depicting Quick and Flupke. Indian ink on paper, inscribed : ‘To Michel Salesse-Lavergne, with warm regards from Hergé. June 1979’ – Dimensions: 10.5 x 15.5 cm. The original envelope from the Hergé Studios is included. © Hergé-Tintinimaginatio 2026

Estimate : 1000/2000€

But the highlight of the sale is the original panel studies and sketches by the master himself (lots 26, 27 and 28), which are rare examples of the artist’s virtuosity and working method, where every stroke of the ‘clear line’ was the result of dozens of attempts.

There was also a wealth of correspondence with several of Hergé’s collaborators within his studio: Bob de Moor, of whom there are several plates and letters, as well as Edgar P. Jacobs (creator of Blake and Mortimer) with several handwritten letters and cards.

A fine collection of greeting cards from the Hergé Studios completes the lot.

Other notable signed drawings are also on display, notably those by André Franquin, the creator of Gaston Lagaffe (lots 22 and 23).

Lot 23 - FRANQUIN, André (1924-1997)

A hand-drawn illustration of Gaston on a loose sheet of paper. Indian ink on paper. Signed in pencil on the reverse and dated March 1984 – Dimensions : 15.5 x 10.5 cm

Estimate : 800/1000€

Nostalgic fans will also find original artwork such as that by Jean Cézard for Arthur the Ghost (lot 3), a rare piece by Yves Chaland for Bob Fish (lot 4), the artwork by Ferdinand Dineur for Tif and Tondu, Tibet’s artwork for Ric Hochet… and many other artists such as Serge Clerc, Georges Pichard, William Vance, Maurice Tillieux, Franz… and a few Americans such as Caniff Milton or **Georges Wunder*.

Lot 4 - CHALAND, Yves (1957-1990)

Bob Fish, Bob Fish and the Siamese Twins, panel 34 from the end of the story, pre-published in Métal Hurlant no. 57 in November 1980. Indian ink on paper, signed and dated 80. The album was published by Les Humanoïdes Associés in 1981. It depicts the young Albert with Bob Fish in the finale of this cult, cynical and dark story, which is as much a tribute to as a pastiche of Franco-Belgian comics, enhanced by Chaland’s masterful inking – Dimensions : 44x32 cm

Estimate : 4000/8000€

A selective and high-quality overview of the history of the comic strip, this collection is sure to attract keen bidding from fans of the Ninth Art!

The 89 lots in this collection will be offered for sale online on Drouot from May Friday 29th to June Monday 8th, 2026.

FNEPSA Comics Expert : Pauline TESTUT - paulinetestut@gmail.com – 00.33.(0)7.69.09.45.59

→ For further information on this exceptional auction, please contact us on 00.33.(0)4.93.99.22.60 or by email at contact@cannesauction.com