A unique heritage

When we talk about legacy, in the world of comics, we talk about dedications. We talk about every interaction that our favorite authors and illustrators have had with the works that we hold dear to our hearts. Thus, we become a community that fiercely defends this legacy. There are so many counterfeits in the art world that even the 9th art is a victim. This is why the authentication of works and their dedications becomes essential, especially when the authors of these are no longer alive. But how can we know with so many people who claim to be experts? The heirs of certain masterpieces have been forced to answer this question in force.

Hergé Works Authentication Committee

Since July 2010, and faced with a growing problem of the marketing of works of dubious origin, a committee for the authentication of Hergé's works has been set up, which meets 3 times a year and receives hundreds of files from collectors. The committee includes Bernard Tordeur, Dominique Maricq, Philippe Goddin, Michel Bareau, Catherine Thirry and Ann Marchal. The Committee is chaired by Sophie Tchang, Curator of the Hergé Museum. This initiative aims to guarantee collectors and Hergé enthusiasts access to authentic works and to preserve the inestimable value of his artistic heritage. Heritage Hub has prepared its file and is waiting for the second session in 2024 to receive the official authentication of a collection that has been built with our expertise for over 10 years.

Experts in art objects

Authenticating a signature requires extensive expertise and in-depth knowledge of the artist and their work. It is a meticulous process that takes into account several crucial elements:

• Stylistic comparison
• Materials analysis
• Origin
• Expertise on the artist

This is the role of art object experts who are also historians in the field in which they work. Although this expertise is what auction houses call upon, the 9th art, having been born in the 20th century, does not yet have authentication methods that are not a mixture of the elements mentioned. Thus, for enthusiasts, peer-to-peer authentication, mixing the collective expertise of the field, seems to be the first indicator to take into account to expand one's collection. Some experts, such as Mr. Poirier for the Tintin universe, are often consulted by major auction houses for this know-how that is only acquired through dedication to the chosen universe.

A copy of Tintin in America from 1960 signed by Hergé

Sam and our Heritage Hub

Sam's collection is also a historical preservation collection of images in all their forms. Tintin is only a small part of it, although the oldest. Through Heritage Hub, Sam shares only a tiny part of his collection of signed works, accumulated over the last 15 years. Throughout this journey, with his learnings on the expertise required to identify the nuggets that fill his collection, he has advised more than 50 clients on acquisitions of the 7th and 9th art. Whether you want to acquire a piece from his collection or want to start your own, the Heritage Hub welcomes you with open arms.