Liège, Belgium — A highly anticipated auction event dedicated to comic book art and memorabilia will take place this weekend at the Palais des Congrès in Liège, featuring an exceptional original drawing by the legendary Belgian artist Hergé.
Organised by BD Enchères, the auction was officially announced on Monday and promises to draw collectors and enthusiasts from across Europe. The star lot of the auction is a rare original drawing from Hergé’s iconic 21st Tintin album, The Castafiore Emerald, first published in 1963.
This piece has a unique provenance: it was gifted by Hergé to the family of Father Rupert, a chaplain for travellers based in Verviers, with whom the artist consulted to accurately portray the Roma community depicted in the story.
The drawing’s estimated value is between €120,000 and €140,000. Prior to the sale, the artwork will be publicly exhibited, giving fans and collectors the opportunity to appreciate this piece of comic history up close.
Alongside the Hergé drawing, the auction will also host a special sale dedicated to Michel Vaillant, the famed motor racing comic character created by Jean Graton.
Around 50 lots will be available, including an original Jean Graton drawing estimated between €15,000 and €18,000. Other items include figurines, a racing suit, a bar stool, and limited edition prints, all set to attract avid fans of the racing series.
In total, the auction on Sunday, 18 May, will feature 611 lots related to the world of comics. The selection spans beloved series such as Gaston Lagaffe, Blake and Mortimer, Boule and Bill, as well as exclusive prints, rare items, and original drawings. This comprehensive offering highlights the rich heritage and ongoing popularity of Franco-Belgian comic art.
The weekend’s auction activities begin the day before, on Saturday, 17 May, with the sale of the private collection of sculptor Marie Leblon.
Known for her work inspired by famous comic franchises, Leblon’s collection includes numerous prototypes and bronze statues referencing popular series like Gaston, Spirou, Asterix, Largo Winch, Lucky Luke, and Tintin.
The highlight of this collection is a large bronze statue of Asterix, estimated to fetch between €35,000 and €40,000. Marie Leblon is scheduled to attend a pre-sale talk, offering visitors the rare chance to meet the artist and discuss her creative process and inspirations.
BD Enchères’ auction represents a significant moment for collectors and comic art aficionados, bringing together a diverse range of items spanning several generations of beloved characters and artists.
The inclusion of pieces with such personal histories, like the Hergé drawing linked to Father Rupert, adds a deeply human element to the event.
With growing interest in comic art as a collectible and investment, events like this continue to underscore the cultural and economic value of the medium.
The auction at Liège’s Palais des Congrès is set not only to celebrate the art form but also to facilitate its preservation and appreciation for future generations.
The auction will start at 10 a.m. on both days. Interested parties can view the catalogue and exhibition details on BD Enchères’ official website ahead of the event.
