Thomson As A Sailor – Figurines Tintin La Collection Officielle – 36 – Dupont En Matelot

Author: Hergé & Editions Moulinsart
Price: £55.00
Publisher: Editions Moulinsart
Publication date: 2013
Format: Original pictorial boards with passport and figurine
Condition: In near fine condition
Illustrations: Illustrated throughout

Description:

Original pictorial boards. Includes passport loosely inserted. Text in French. Includes the accompanying figurine. One from the collection of 111 books and figurines. Very slight wear. In very near fine, clean condition overall.

Thomson As A Sailor: A Short Biography

The image of Thomson as a sailor (in French, Dupont en matelot) is a humorous moment that captures the essence of Hergé’s comic style — blending slapstick, misunderstanding, and impeccable visual timing. It features one of the bumbling detective twins, Thomson and Thompson, dressed in naval clothing, attempting to appear competent in circumstances well beyond his depth.

Context within the Tintin Series

Thomson (the one with the “p”” in his name) and his near-identical colleague Thompson (without the “p”) are the recurring comic detectives of the Tintin series. Known for their identical appearances, exaggerated formality, and chronic confusion, the pair are both members of the police, yet seem permanently out of step with logic and common sense.

Their identical nature is central to their humour — even their speech patterns mirror one another, with the recurring line: “To be precise…” followed by an equally confused repetition.

Thomson’s appearance “as a sailor” occurs during one of the many episodes in which the pair don disguises in the line of duty. It is a visual joke that plays on their utter unsuitability for undercover work, as they never quite manage to blend in.

The Comic Function of the “Sailor” Scene

In The Adventures of Tintin, Hergé frequently used disguise as a source of comedy. When Thomson appears dressed as a sailor — clumsy, overdressed, and wholly unconvincing — the scene epitomises his misplaced confidence and misunderstanding of the situation at hand.

Typically, the detectives’ attempts at infiltration or observation end in farce: falling over ropes, tripping on decks, or being promptly unmasked by the very criminals they are supposed to be investigating. Hergé’s art amplifies this physical comedy through clear, exaggerated movement and minimal dialogue, making the humour instantly readable.

In such scenes, Thomson’s expression is earnest — he genuinely believes himself to be blending in — while his actions, such as saluting the wrong person or fumbling with maritime equipment, betray complete ineptitude.

Personality and Comic Identity

As with his twin, Thomson is characterised by:

• Pedantic formality: He insists on procedure even in absurd contexts.
• Physical clumsiness: He is prone to slapstick mishaps, falls, and accidents.
• Verbal confusion: He repeats phrases incorrectly, usually ending with: “I’d say the same thing myself!”

When dressed as a sailor, these traits combine perfectly. The uniform amplifies his pomposity, while the maritime setting — whether aboard a ship or near the docks — offers endless opportunities for comic disaster.

Symbolism and Purpose

Thomson “as a sailor” is not merely a sight gag but a small emblem of the detectives’ narrative role. They represent human error, bureaucratic absurdity, and innocent incompetence — qualities that contrast sharply with Tintin’s clarity, courage, and efficiency. Their disguises, no matter how elaborate, always fail because they misunderstand the world they are trying to navigate.

Hergé uses such moments to remind readers that Tintin’s world, though filled with intrigue, danger, and heroism, remains fundamentally human and humorous.

Thematic Value

The “Thomson as a sailor” sequence also illustrates Hergé’s mastery of tone. Even in stories involving serious stakes — smuggling, espionage, or political tension — he maintains levity through the detectives’ antics. They break the tension without undermining the narrative, allowing readers to shift from suspense to laughter in a single panel.

Their resilience, despite constant failure, gives them a kind of endearing dignity. No matter how many times they blunder, they remain committed to their duty — a gentle parody of bureaucracy and optimism combined.

Legacy

The image of Thomson as a sailor endures as a perfect encapsulation of his and Thompson’s comic appeal. Whether dressed as sailors, Bedouins, or detectives in trench coats, their disguises always highlight their confusion and misplaced confidence.

Through characters like Thomson, Hergé captured the charm of human imperfection: fallible, foolish, but ultimately good-hearted. The “sailor” disguise is therefore more than a gag — it is a symbol of cheerful incompetence, the universal comic truth that even well-meaning people can be gloriously wrong.

Why Buy from Us?

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

• Authenticity and Provenance: Each item is meticulously researched and verified for authenticity and collation.
• Expert Curation: Our selection process focuses on significance, condition, and rarity, resulting in a collection that is both diverse and distinguished.
• Customer Satisfaction: We aim to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to return an item, it may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt. Please notify us in advance if you wish to do so. The item must be returned in the same condition as it was sent for a full refund.

Cataloguer: Daniel Hornsey

Daniel Hornsey has specialised in fine and rare books, ephemera, and collectors’ editions for over thirty years. As a long-standing member of the antiquarian book trade, he has advised private collectors, curated catalogues, and sourced works for leading dealers, libraries and institutions across the world.

Hornseys’ exhibit regularly at book and map fairs in London and throughout the UK and are members of the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association, the PBFA.

His fascination with Hergé’s work — especially ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ — began in childhood. Daniel recalls reading Tintin in original European editions and quickly recognising that these were not merely children’s books, but finely illustrated narratives crafted with artistic depth and wit.

As noted by the Musée Hergé in Louvain-la-Neuve, Hergé’s ‘ligne claire’ style has influenced generations of European comic artists and his original drawings and paintings command very high prices with his painting of ‘The Blue Lotus’ jar fetching £2.8m at auction in 2021.

By presenting these works through Hornseys’, he hopes to contribute to the continued appreciation of one of the 20th century’s most influential illustrators, helping new generations discover the artistry and legacy of Hergé.