Since its creation in 2005, the Comic Strip department has become a leader in this specialty and is dedicated to offering works that reflect the full spectrum of the 9th art: original pages, illustrations, albums, and rare objects.

Exceptional results punctuate the department's sales, led by Éric Leroy, notably the records achieved for works by Hergé during sales titled "The Universe of the Creator of Tintin." In 2021, Artcurial set the world record for a Hergé work sold at auction with the illustration from The Blue Lotus, which was sold for €3.2 million. In 2023, the house achieved the world record for a black-and-white original drawing by Hergé with the sale of the cover design for Tintin in America, which fetched €2.1 million.

Monographic sales dedicated to other artists such as Sempé and Jidéhem have also contributed to establishing the department’s excellent reputation thanks to their remarkable results.

To promote comic books to international enthusiasts passionate about 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, including the installation Inbox by Enki Bilal at the Cini Foundation during the 56th Venice Biennale in 2015. In 2016, Enki Bilal presented the Inbox Hybridization [in love] painting series at the prestigious Chanel Nexus Hall in Tokyo in partnership with Chanel’s Japanese subsidiary.

Continuing this momentum, the department organized sales dedicated to Enki Bilal in 2021 and 2022, achieving excellent results, including €126,375 for the drawing The Tetralogy of the Monster and €94,500 for the work Coup de Sang. In 2024, Artcurial celebrated this visionary artist with an exclusive exhibition in Saint-Tropez, accompanied by an unpublished catalog showcasing 70 iconic works from his universe.

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