The Art Of Hergé Volume 1 – 1907-1937

The Art Of Hergé Volume 1 – 1907-1937

Author: Philippe Goddin
Price: £35
Publisher: Editions Moulinsart
Publication Date: Not stated
Format: Original cloth. Dustwrapper
Condition: New
Pages: Not stated
Edition: Reprint

Location: OSR: 002582

Short Critique of The Art of Hergé by Philippe Goddin

The Art of Hergé by Philippe Goddin is an expansive and richly detailed exploration of the creative genius behind The Adventures of Tintin. Goddin, a renowned Hergé expert, delves into the artist’s life and work, offering readers an intimate understanding of his artistic evolution and the influences that shaped his iconic creations. The book is both a tribute to Hergé’s legacy and a critical examination of his multifaceted career, making it an invaluable resource for fans and scholars alike. It was published in three volumes of which this is volume one.

Structure and Approach

The book is structured chronologically, tracing Hergé’s artistic journey from his early illustrations to the global phenomenon of Tintin. This organisation allows readers to witness the progression of Hergé’s style and the development of his storytelling techniques. Goddin meticulously highlights key moments in Hergé’s career, such as his experiments with the “ligne claire” style and his growing mastery of visual storytelling.

The narrative is interspersed with reproductions of Hergé’s artwork, including sketches, unpublished drawings, and finalised illustrations. These visuals not only enhance the book’s appeal but also provide valuable insights into Hergé’s creative process. Goddin’s commentary is detailed and thoughtful, offering a deeper appreciation of Hergé’s artistic decisions.

Artistic Analysis

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its thorough analysis of Hergé’s art. Goddin examines the technical aspects of Hergé’s work, such as his use of clean lines, meticulous composition, and vibrant colours. He also explores how Hergé’s art evolved over time, reflecting changes in his personal life, political context, and artistic ambitions.

The book delves into the research and preparation behind Tintin, showcasing Hergé’s commitment to authenticity and detail. From architectural accuracy to cultural references, Goddin reveals how Hergé blended realism with his unique artistic vision. This section is particularly compelling, as it highlights the depth and complexity of Hergé’s work, which often goes unnoticed in discussions of comics.

Biographical Context

While primarily focused on Hergé’s art, the book also provides valuable biographical context. Goddin discusses Hergé’s upbringing, his influences, and the personal and professional challenges he faced throughout his career. These insights help readers understand the man behind the art, adding depth to the analysis of his work.

The book does not shy away from addressing controversial aspects of Hergé’s life, such as his wartime collaborations and the colonial attitudes present in some of his early works. Goddin handles these topics with sensitivity and balance, acknowledging their impact while contextualising them within the broader scope of Hergé’s life and times.

Visual Presentation

The visual presentation of The Art of Hergé is outstanding. The reproductions of Hergé’s artwork are of high quality, allowing readers to appreciate the finer details of his drawings. The inclusion of rare and unpublished materials is a major highlight, offering a glimpse into Hergé’s creative process that is rarely seen elsewhere.

The book’s design complements its subject matter, with a layout that is both elegant and accessible. The combination of text and imagery creates a seamless reading experience, making it as visually engaging as it is intellectually stimulating.

Strengths and Limitations

The book’s comprehensive approach is its greatest strength, providing a detailed and nuanced portrait of Hergé as an artist. Goddin’s expertise is evident throughout, and his passion for the subject is infectious. The inclusion of rare visuals and behind-the-scenes insights makes this work an essential addition to any Hergé enthusiast’s library.

However, the book’s emphasis on Hergé’s artistic achievements may leave some readers wishing for a more in-depth exploration of his personal life or the broader cultural impact of Tintin. While these aspects are addressed, they are not the primary focus, which may disappoint those seeking a more holistic biography.

Additionally, the book’s rich detail and scholarly tone may be overwhelming for casual readers, making it better suited to those with a strong interest in Hergé or the art of comics.

Conclusion

The Art of Hergé by Philippe Goddin is a masterful and meticulously crafted tribute to one of the greatest comic artists of the 20th century. It offers a comprehensive analysis of Hergé’s artistic legacy, supported by an impressive collection of visuals and a thoughtful narrative. While its focus on art over biography may not appeal to all readers, it remains an indispensable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Hergé’s work.

Through this book, Goddin successfully captures the brilliance and enduring influence of Hergé, ensuring that his art continues to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.

Hergé from 1907 to 1937: The Formative Years

Georges Remi, known worldwide as Hergé, was born on 22 May 1907 in Etterbeek, Belgium. These early decades of his life, from 1907 to 1937, were transformative, laying the foundation for his career as the creator of The Adventures of Tintin and marking the beginning of his journey toward becoming one of the most celebrated comic artists of the 20th century.

1907–1925: Early Life and Influences

Hergé grew up in a middle-class Catholic family, the son of Alexis Remi and Elisabeth Dufour. His early life was steeped in the traditions and values of Catholicism, which would later influence his work. As a child, he exhibited a keen interest in drawing, often creating sketches of soldiers, a reflection of the militaristic atmosphere in Europe during the time.

He attended the Saint-Boniface School in Brussels, where he developed a love for storytelling through images. Hergé’s passion for comics was further nurtured during his time in the Boy Scouts, an experience that significantly shaped his worldview and inspired recurring themes of adventure, exploration, and camaraderie in his later works.

It was as a scout that he began producing illustrations for scouting publications, including Le Boy-Scout Belge. These early works displayed the first signs of his distinctive style and storytelling abilities. During this period, he adopted the pen name “Hergé,” derived from the reversed initials of his full name, Georges Remi (R.G.).

1925–1929: Beginnings of a Career

In 1925, Hergé began working at Le Vingtième Siècle, a conservative Catholic newspaper edited by Father Norbert Wallez. Initially employed as a clerk, he soon became involved in the paper’s artistic content, producing illustrations for its youth supplement, Le Petit Vingtième.

In 1928, he created his first recurring character, Totor, a cheerful Boy Scout, for Le Boy-Scout Belge. Totor was a precursor to Tintin, featuring many traits later embodied by Hergé’s most famous creation: a sense of adventure, moral fortitude, and resourcefulness.

1929: The Birth of Tintin

On 10 January 1929, Hergé introduced Tintin to the world in the pages of Le Petit Vingtième. The first adventure, Tintin au Pays des Soviets (Tintin in the Land of the Soviets), depicted the young journalist travelling to the Soviet Union to expose the realities of communism. Although the story was heavily influenced by the anti-communist leanings of the paper’s editorial team, it demonstrated Hergé’s flair for storytelling and his ability to weave humour and action into his narratives.

The simplistic black-and-white drawings of this early work reflected the limitations of Hergé’s artistic skills at the time, but the dynamic pacing and engaging characterisation hinted at the greatness to come. Tintin’s immediate popularity among readers laid the groundwork for a burgeoning career.

1930–1937: The Rise of Tintin

The 1930s marked a period of refinement and expansion for Hergé. Following the success of Tintin au Pays des Soviets, he produced a series of adventures that would solidify Tintin’s place in popular culture. Key works from this era include:

• Tintin au Congo (1931): This adventure, set in colonial Africa, reflected the prevailing attitudes of the time but has since been criticised for its racial stereotypes. Despite these issues, the story showcased Hergé’s growing skill in creating dynamic and engaging plots.
• Tintin en Amérique (1932): Tintin’s journey to the United States introduced themes of capitalism and organised crime, demonstrating Hergé’s willingness to critique societal issues through satire.
• Les Cigares du Pharaon (1934) and Le Lotus Bleu (1936): These stories marked a significant turning point in Hergé’s artistic and narrative development. With Le Lotus Bleu in particular, Hergé began incorporating meticulous research into his work, collaborating with Chinese artist Zhang Chongren to create an authentic portrayal of Chinese culture and politics. This commitment to accuracy and depth became a hallmark of his later works.

By 1937, Hergé’s distinctive “ligne claire” (clear line) style had fully emerged, characterised by clean, precise lines and an emphasis on visual clarity. This artistic approach, combined with increasingly sophisticated storytelling, set Hergé apart from his contemporaries and established Tintin as a cultural phenomenon.

Legacy of the Era

The years from 1907 to 1937 were crucial in shaping Hergé’s career and artistic identity. From his humble beginnings as a boy with a love for drawing to his rise as a pioneering comic artist, Hergé’s journey during this time laid the foundation for the enduring success of The Adventures of Tintin.

By 1937, Hergé had not only honed his craft but also developed the key elements of his signature style and storytelling approach. His work from this period remains a testament to his growth as an artist and a storyteller, paving the way for the legendary adventures that would follow.

Why buy from us?

At Hornseys, we are dedicated to offering items that uphold the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our book collection is carefully curated to ensure that each edition is a valuable and authentic piece of bibliographical history. Here’s what sets us apart:

• • Authenticity and Provenance: Every book is researched, collated and verified for authenticity.
  • Expert Curation: Each book is selected using our keen eye for significance, condition, and rarity, ensuring a collection that is both diverse and distinguished.
  • Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
  • Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If, however, you wish to make a return, books may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for whatever reason. We request that we are notified in advance if you wish to do so. They must be returned to us in the same condition as they were sent for a full refund.
  • Explore Our Collection: Visit Hornseys to explore our fine collection of rare and signed books. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a special gift, our selection offers something truly unique. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for book lovers, art enthusiasts, and collectors since 1976.