An original illustration by Tintin’s creator Hergé has been sold for 2.16 million euros – the equivalent of 24 million kroner – at an auction in Paris, reports Le Figaro, among others. It is the front page of “Tintin in America” from 1942.
The total is lower than analysts expected – some even thought the painting would break the record for a comic book. It was set in 2021 when “Blue Lotus”, also a Tintin original by Hergé, sold for €3.5 million.
The auction company itself expected that “Tintin in America” would sell for about half a million more, up to well over three million euros. Even though the amount ended up on the low side, they highlight that the painting breaks records as the most expensive black-and-white cartoon ever.
The unknown seller is supposed to be a Belgian collector, who after fees can pick up just over SEK 19 million.
In the player above: See more about the huge sum.