Legal Challenge Surrounds Unsold Original Cover Painting from 1963 Comic Book "Asterix and Cleopatra" at Auction

An original cover painting from the 1963 comic book "Asterix and Cleopatra" recently made headlines as it was put up for auction at the Brussels-based auction house Millon. The piece, a gouache painting depicting the ancient Egyptian ruler Cleopatra alongside the beloved Gaulish heroes Asterix and Obelix, failed to find a buyer after facing a legal challenge from the artist's daughter. Measuring 32 by 17 centimetres, the artwork was expected to fetch a price between 400,000 to 500,000 euros.

However, despite considerable interest, no bid matched the reserve price, leading to the painting remaining unsold. The legal challenge surrounding the painting arose from Sylvie Uderzo, the daughter of the late French illustrator Albert Uderzo, co-creator of the Asterix series. Uderzo's daughter argued that if her father had intended to give away the painting, he would have signed and dedicated it.

Therefore, she claimed that the painting must have been stolen. Millon, the auction house, stated that they were selling the painting on behalf of the son of a man who received it more than 50 years ago from Uderzo himself. Despite the legal complaint, Belgian prosecutors found no grounds to suspect any criminal activity in relation to the artwork.

Sylvie Uderzo's lawyer, Orly Rezlan, warned potential buyers that acquiring the painting could lead to prosecution for receiving stolen goods. However, the auctioneers dismissed these claims, stating that Uderzo had previously allowed the sale of non-dedicated pieces from his collection. The auction house presented a photograph showing the owner of the painting dining with Uderzo and his wife in Normandy in the late 1960s, suggesting a close relationship between the families involved.

The comic book "Asterix and Cleopatre" originally appeared as a serial in the magazine Pilote in 1963 before being compiled into the sixth book-length adventure in the Asterix series in 1965. The legal dispute surrounding the original cover painting highlights the complexities of selling artwork with historical significance. As the market for comic book memorabilia continues to grow, issues of provenance and ownership are becoming increasingly important in ensuring a transparent and fair marketplace for collectors and enthusiasts alike.