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Albert Uderzo Astérix Les Lauriers de César #18 Cover Original Art (Dargaud, 1972)....
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Sold on Apr 18, 2026 for:
$450,000.00
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Description
PLATINUM
Albert Uderzo Astérix Les Lauriers de César
#18 Cover Original Art (Dargaud, 1972).This vibrant and instantly recognizable cover for Les Lauriers de César (Caesar's Laurels) captures the wit, theatricality, and graphic authority that define the golden age of Astérix.
Against a radiant orange ground, Uderzo orchestrates a masterful composition: the monumental marble profile of Julius Caesar dominates the left side, rendered in cool, sculptural tones, while on the right Astérix and Obélix advance with comic stealth. Obélix, broad and triumphant, brandishes a freshly cut laurel wreath; Astérix, poised and mischievous, tiptoes forward, embodying the cunning that has made the diminutive Gaul one of the most enduring heroes in European comics.
The typography-"les lauriers de" in bold green script above the stately black capitals of "CESAR"-anchors the composition with graphic clarity, framing the scene with the confidence of a fully mature series at its creative height.
Published in 1972, Les Lauriers de César is widely regarded as one of the pivotal Roman-set adventures in the saga. Moving the action to the imperial capital itself, the story allowed Goscinny and Uderzo to deploy large-scale urban satire, elaborate crowd scenes, and razor-sharp political parody. The album deepens the rivalry between the indomitable Gauls and Caesar, while showcasing Uderzo's virtuosity in staging, caricature, and architectural detail. It marks a moment when the series had reached full international acclaim, and its visual language was instantly iconic across Europe and beyond.
Original color covers from the classic Astérix albums are of exceptional importance and extreme rarity. Unlike interior pages-already scarce-these large-format, fully painted boards were executed with particular care, serving as the public face of each volume. Most remain in institutional collections or within the artist's estate; examples appearing on the open market are few and far between. Their cultural resonance extends well beyond comic art collecting into the broader canon of 20th-century European illustration.
This cover stands as a quintessential image from one of the most celebrated chapters in the Astérix epic-an arresting, museum-quality work that unites historical satire, graphic boldness, and the enduring genius of Albert Uderzo.
Gouache and ink on board with an image area of 12" x 16". Matted. Please note the slightly faded colors. Signed lower left. In Very Good condition
More information about Albert Uderzo. See also: Uderzo, Albert Artist. Lookup the Comic Book in our Guide
Auction Info
2026 April 18 - 19 International Comic Art Signature® Auction #7473 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
April, 2026
18th-19th
Saturday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 42
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Jerry Weist's Comic Art Price Guide 2011
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