Additional Images:
Backlit
Painted on the back
Artwork Details
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DescriptionHere is a tier from the Fable of Venice story, a personal favorite. This is what I brought home from Como with me. In Fable, Venice is perhaps the second most important character reluctantly revealing some of her well hidden secrets through forgotten gardens and secret cults. I think this tier captures Corto and Pratt's Venice perfectly.The art is painted on the back which is how the Italian and some of the other European publishers did color guides. I have not seen it on Corto before as they were often printed without color but all the Fables of Venice have this treatment. When held up to the light, there is a neat effect. See additional images. To be clear, this is the original pen and ink art and the original colors on the back. I thought I was complete with Hugo Pratt Corto Maltese after Lake Como Comic Art Festival in 2023 where I picked up my early Corto page. I was done. One Corto piece is more than any collector could want. Forward to Lake Como Festival this year. A few days before I arrive, my friend Giovanni sees this piece at a dealers table at the Napoli Comic Con. He sends me an image and my jaw hits the floor. You just don't see this quality of Corto Maltese come up for sale...ever. Especially from the Fable of Venice which many of the Corto connoisseurs consider his finest vintage. I was in Rome when I saw this piece about the same time as the Conclave started and by the time there was a new Pope I had decided I needed to try to make this work. We were in Naples after Rome and so I met up with the Italian art dealer and we came to an agreement. The price was agreed upon and we shook hands. I would pick up the art at Lake Como and that is how it went down. Lots more details but that is enough for this write up. Now this piece is here safely in Canada and I couldn't be more pleased with it. Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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John Voytek 
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 5/20/2025
Lovely Pratt example...and an awesome Como score! Congratulations on adding this to your wonderful gallery!
Kavi H
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 5/20/2025
I can't decide if I like the art more or the story of the art adventure across multiple Italian cities and comic events! I guess it doesn't really matter because both are fantastic. congrats Jeff!
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
3 - Posted on 5/20/2025
The only way this would be better is if the deal went down in Venice.
Rob Pistella
Member Since 2005
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 5/20/2025
Very beautiful and elegant! Bravo!
Stephen F
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 5/21/2025
Now that is what I call a magnificent souvenir from your trip! Fantastic.
Migs DC
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 5/21/2025
Fantastic piece. Great story. Lovely hanging out with you apres show.
Joe A
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 5/21/2025
Great story and an even better piece. I'm glad I got to see it in person and how the backlit color shines through the inked work. Huge congratulations!
Bill J
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 5/21/2025
Wow! What a stunning piece of art by Hugo Pratt from the Fables of Venice book. I'd heard about the Fables book before, it's nice to finally see an example, Venice is one of my favorite cities and I've made multiple visits to it over the years. I love the idea of collecting art from Europe but I've never found the right pieces. I'm super excited for you though. I'm glad that you've fourd a piece that captures the look and feel of Hugo Pratt and of Venice. Another great addition to your outstanding collection.
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 5/21/2025
Pratt’s linework is very evocative and elegant, helping to weave Corto seamlessly into the city. I can't help squirm when I think about all the pages cut up into tiers, but on the other hand, as a fan of newspaper strip dailies, I really like the way they present. Welcome home!
Matt Dicke
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 5/22/2025
What a treasure. I was very greatful I bumped into you at the right time so I got to see it. Hope to see you next year at Como, you always find some great pieces.
Chris K.
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 5/22/2025
Jaw-dropping piece, Jeff...as always. I may have to get up north to see this one in person!
Joao Antunes
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 5/26/2025
A remarcable and imediately recognizable artwork that defines the magic of Corto and his creator, Hugo Pratt, super congratulatuons!
Toni S
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 5/29/2025
A great Corto example from one of the best stories!
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