Original Lucky Luke drawings to be auctioned at Christie's, expected to fetch millions

Nov. 10, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Fifty original plates from the iconic Lucky Luke series, illustrated by the renowned Belgian cartoonist Morris, will go under the hammer at Christie’s on Nov. 15. 

The collection, preserved by the illustrator's descendants, is expected to draw substantial interest from collectors and enthusiasts of classic comics.

Vincent Belloy, a specialist in the books and manuscripts department and director of the sale for Christie’s, emphasized the historical significance of these pieces. 

"The plates have been selected to document the evolution of drawing by Morris and to provide a retrospective of his career," he explained.

Morris, whose real name was Maurice De Bevere, was born in Kortrijk in 1923 and created Lucky Luke in 1946. Over his career, he illustrated 71 comic albums, telling the story of the "Poor Lonesome Cowboy" and his loyal horse, Jolly Jumper. 

The legendary artist passed away in 2001 at the age of 77, but his legacy has continued to captivate audiences worldwide.

The drawings, which offer glimpses into various Lucky Luke albums, will be showcased at Christie’s exhibition venues in Brussels, Geneva, and Paris before the auction. 

Christie’s anticipates that each plate could fetch between €20,000 and €90,000, with the entire collection potentially reaching between €2.4 million and €3.4 million.

The Lucky Luke series has seen extraordinary success, selling over 300 million copies and being translated into 30 languages. After Morris's passing, the cowboy hero’s adventures were continued by several artists, including Blutch and Jul. 

In addition to its comic legacy, Lucky Luke has also inspired numerous television adaptations and films.

Collectors and fans of the celebrated gunslinger will soon have the opportunity to own a piece of comic history, as Morris’s original works are set to become highly sought-after treasures.