Asterix Artwork Auction Halted: Albert Uderzo's Daughter Files Lawsuit Over 'Asterix and Cleopatra' Cover

In a recent twist, Sylvie Uderzo, the daughter of famed illustrator Albert Uderzo, has filed a lawsuit to halt the auction of her father's original cover for the comic 'Asterix and Cleopatra'. The legal action stems from claims that the artwork might have been procured under suspicious circumstances by its current possessor. Her attorney, Orly Rezlan, stated that the aim of the lawsuit is either to stop the sale or to buy more time for investigating the conditions surrounding the acquisition of the artwork. The lawsuit alleges the occurrence of either trust abuse or theft.

Artwork History and Auction Details

The artwork in question is a gouache painting created in 1963. The auction house, Millon, claims the artwork has been owned by the seller for over half a century, allegedly gifted to him by Uderzo during a dinner among friends. The auction is slated to take place in Brussels on December 10 and the painting is expected to fetch between 400,000 and 500,000 euros. The piece is notable for Uderzo's playful parody of the movie poster for the Hollywood film 'Cleopatra', featuring Elizabeth Taylor, which was the most costly film of its time.

Asterix Artwork in the World of Auctions

Asterix illustrations have a rich history in auctions, with the current record for an Asterix illustration standing at a staggering 1.4 million euros for the cover of 'Asterix and the Tour de France'. The impending auction of the 'Asterix and Cleopatra' cover, if it proceeds, will likely draw significant attention from collectors and fans alike, given its cultural significance and the controversy surrounding its sale.

Legal Implications and Future Proceedings

The lawsuit filed by Sylvie Uderzo adds a layer of complexity to the upcoming auction. Depending on the proceedings and findings of the investigation, the fate of the auction remains uncertain. It brings into sharp focus issues related to the possession and sale of artworks, particularly those with significant cultural and historical value. As the legal drama unfolds, it will be intriguing to see how this impacts the art and auction world, along with the legacy of Albert Uderzo and his beloved Asterix series.