A few years ago, we presented on Graphiline the work of the French painter and sculptor Xavier Marabout, who mixes in about twenty paintings the universe of the famous Belgian reporter Tintin with that of the American painter Edward Hopper. A parodic work that brings a shift between the comic book hero we all know, and a vision of the character more sexualized, more human. Edward Hopper (1882-1967), considered one of the representatives of American realism, is known for his paintings of middle-class life in the United States.
But then, the Belgian company Moulinsart, which holds the exploitation rights of Hergé's work, accused the artist of counterfeiting, accusing him of having reproduced and adapted the world of Tintin without the consent of his beneficiaries. It claimed 15,000 euros in damages. Xavier Marabout pleaded the right to parody.
Recognition of the parody exception
On Monday, May 10, the court finally gave its verdict. The court of Rennes recognized " the parody exception " and "humorous intention" of Xavier Marabout, and the absence of risks of confusion between Marabout and Hergé, reports France Info . The Moulinsart company was ordered to pay 10,000 euros in damages to the artist it was suing, as well as 20,000 euros in reimbursement of legal costs.
Particularly procedural, the publishing house Moulinsart regularly launches legal proceedings against artists who are inspired by the work of Hergé. Another artist, Christophe Tixier, alias Peppone, is currently being sued for counterfeiting for sculptures of busts inspired by Tintin. Moulinsart claims 200 000 euros in damages. Verdict on June 17.
