Tintin’s ‘Black Gold’ Board Fails to Find a Buyer – A Surprise in a Hot Market
Paris, France – In a surprising turn of events, a pivotal piece of comic book history – an original board from Hergé’s Tintin in the Land of Black Gold – failed to sell at auction today, November 19th, hosted by Aguttes. The board, estimated to be worth between €300,000 and €500,000, did not meet its reserve price, leaving collectors and art enthusiasts alike stunned. This is particularly noteworthy given the recent surge in value for original Tintin artwork, making this a genuine breaking news story for the comic art world.
A ‘Cursed’ Adventure with a Complex History
Plate VII of Tintin in the Land of Black Gold, originating from the Jacques Topor Collection, represents a fascinating and troubled period in Hergé’s career. Initially published in 1939 in Le Petit Vingtième, the story was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. It wasn’t until 1948, in Tintin’s diary, that Hergé revisited the adventure, and finally, in 1950, it appeared in its complete form published by Casterman. The board itself consists of four black and white strips, notably lacking speech bubbles, offering a unique glimpse into Hergé’s creative process.
This particular Tintin adventure is often referred to as “cursed” due to its complicated publication history and the significant revisions Hergé undertook. The original story, set in British-mandate Palestine, dealt with oil trafficking and geopolitical tensions. However, pressure from British publishers in the 1970s led to a substantial rewrite, relocating the action to the fictional Arab country of Khemed to avoid dated political references. This demonstrates how even iconic works of art can be subject to the shifting sands of time and political sensitivity.
Hergé’s Challenges: Integrating New Characters
The post-war resumption of Land of Black Gold also presented Hergé with the challenge of seamlessly integrating Captain Haddock and Professor Tournesol – characters created during the war years – into a narrative originally conceived without them. Haddock’s appearance, in particular, felt somewhat forced, highlighting the difficulties of revisiting and completing a project after such a prolonged interruption. Understanding these creative hurdles adds another layer of appreciation for Hergé’s artistry and resilience.
The Booming Market for Original Tintin Art
The failure of this sale is all the more surprising considering the current state of the comic art market. Original Tintin artwork has seen exponential growth in value in recent years. In 2021, the first drawing of the cover of Blue Lotus fetched over €3 million. Other significant sales include the endpapers of Tintin albums (€2.5 million in 2014) and a sheet from We walked on the moon (€1.55 million in 2016). This demonstrates a strong and growing demand for collectible comic art, making this auction result an anomaly.
SEO experts note that the demand for rare comics is driven by a combination of factors, including nostalgia, investment potential, and the increasing recognition of comic art as a legitimate form of fine art. For collectors, acquiring pieces like this Tintin board isn’t just about owning a beautiful object; it’s about owning a piece of cultural history. Staying informed about upcoming auctions and market trends is crucial for anyone interested in entering this exciting world. This is a prime example of why monitoring Google News for art market updates is essential.
While this particular board didn’t find a buyer today, Aguttes has indicated that it may be offered for sale again in the future, or potentially sold through a private transaction. The enduring appeal of Tintin and the continued strength of the comic art market suggest that this exceptional piece will eventually find a deserving home. For those interested in learning more about comic art collecting and investment, resources like the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide and auction house websites are excellent starting points.
The story of this unsold Tintin board serves as a reminder that even in a booming market, individual pieces can face unique challenges. However, the overall trajectory of comic art values remains firmly upward, offering exciting opportunities for collectors and investors alike. Keep checking back with archyde.com for the latest updates on the art world and beyond.
