Albert Uderzo (1927-2020)

L'Odyssée d'Astérix, original plate circa 1981 India ink on paper for plate 42 of this album published in 1981 by Editions Albert-René. Signed and dedicated in the lower margin to the publisher Bernard de Fallois. Plate in two half-plates. 53 x 43 cm Provenance: > Given by Albert Uderzo to his friend Bernard de Fallois (1926-2018) general manager of Presses de la Cité, then founder of Éditions de Fallois in 1987. > Given by Bernard de Fallois to a close collaborator Condition report: Very good condition, professionally framed in light oak Asterix and Obelix return from their journey to the Middle East, having failed at the last minute to bring back the precious "rock water" needed by Getafix to make the magic potion. Could this be the end of the Gaulish village? When they disembark from the Epidemaïs boat, our two heroes are stunned to discover the whole village happily battling the Romans. With magic potion! This is one of the album's key scenes, which Uderzo translates into a spectacular plate. Obelix slaps around Roman spy Zerozerix, a caricature of Sean "007" Connery. Bernard Blier is portrayed as a Roman prelate. And the majestic last panel, which takes up an entire half-sheet, features one of the series' greatest fight scenes. All of Uderzo's virtuosity shines through in this composition, which combines irresistible dynamism, perfect legibility and Uderzo's typical delight in detail (the faces of the routed Romans!). This plate comes from the personal collection of Bernard de Fallois, a leading figure in French publishing. Uderzo had asked for his support in the creation of Editions Albert-René in the early 80s. He offered him this plate and the original cover of Le Grand Fossé (sold at FauveParis on April 2, 2022) in gratitude for his invaluable help.