Hergé (Georges Remi) – Original Encre de Chine Drawing of Ranko from L’Île Noire, accompanied by a typewritten letter signed to Anton Knudsen, dated April 2, 1977 [Leipzig], with 2021 Studios Hergé Certificate of Authenticity.
This exceptional and historically layered work comprises two elements affixed side by side on a single support measuring 338 mm wide × 324 mm vertical.
Left side – Original drawing:
Executed in black encre de Chine (India ink) on paper, dimensions 182 mm × 245 mm. Depicted is Ranko, the fierce yet sorrowful great ape from L’Île Noire (The Black Island), one of the most beloved episodes of The Adventures of Tintin. This drawing follows the 1966 colour remake of the album. The ape is rendered in Hergé’s mature ligne claire style, without colour, emphasizing pure linework and dramatic shadow. According to the accompanying letter, Hergé stated this was his personal favourite image from that edition.
Right side – Typewritten letter:
Hergé’s personal typewritten letter to Mr. Anton Knudsen of Aarhus, Denmark, dated April 2, 1977 (one year after their first known exchange). The letter is typed in imperial pica font on custom-cut Studios Hergé letterhead measuring 4.375" × 11.75" (approx. 111 mm × 298 mm). In the top right corner appears the red publisher’s stamp of E. A. Seemann (Leipzig), where Hergé was a guest at the time of writing. In the letter, Hergé explains his presence in Leipzig, thanks Knudsen for his continued admiration, and explicitly notes that the accompanying Ranko drawing is his personal favourite from L’Île Noire (1966 colour remake). The letter is signed "Hergé" in type.
Provenance & Authentication:
· Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity issued by Studios Hergé in 2021, confirming the drawing, letter, and their historic assembly as authentic.
· The letter has been professionally pasted (contemporaneously or archivally) onto the right side of the same sheet as the drawing, creating a unified presentation piece.
Condition:
The drawing is in fine condition with strong ink saturation. The letter shows light age-related toning and expected fold lines from original mailing, consistent with 1977. The paste attachment is stable and does not affect legibility of either element. The COA is included separately.
Historical Note:
This piece offers a rare dual insight: Hergé’s private creative preference (Ranko as a personal favourite) and his professional movement in 1977 to Leipzig’s famed E. A. Seemann publishing house—unusual for the typically Brussels-based artist. The addition of the secretary’s initial ("H/jbr.") on the letter anchors it firmly in Studios Hergé’s 1970s correspondence practices.