Christie’s to launch its first auction dedicated to comics

KOLKATA: Christie’s is launching its first auction dedicated to comics on 5 April 2014, in partnership with the renowned collector and gallery owner: Daniel Maghen. Approximately 370 comic boards, drawings, original editions will be offered at sale and the entire selection is expected to realise in the region of €3 million.

Known as the 9th art, these comics of exceptional quality are represented by some of the greatest names of the industry, including the historical authors: Peyo, Martin, Tibet, Jacobs, Franquin, Uderzo and Hergé; the new classics: Bilal, Gibrat, Pratt, Moebius, Manara, Tardi, Rosinski; the emerging talents: Ralph Meyer and the illustrators: Graffet, Lacombe.

François de Ricqlès, president of Christie’s France: "We are pleased to launch the market for comics in partnership with Daniel Maghen, the precursor and European leader in this category. This sale will be organised in the context of the Salon du Dessin, an international event that attracts collectors worldwide".

Daniel Maghen, gallery owner and expert for the sale: "This partnership with Christie’s is a real professional and personal blooming. This sale has international scope which reinforces the fact that comics are an important artistic craft. This new project will help me to value comics and illustration, while promoting the great artists of the 9th art to a global audience".