Corto Maltese, the adventurer

That of Corto Maltese, immediately recognizable by his dark shed, his favorites and his sailor cap. La Saline Royale, an architectural masterpiece of the 18th century, pays homage here to the creativity of Hugo Pratt (1925-1995), a big name in comics, disappeared just thirty years ago. Fervent film buff, the Italian author handled his pencil like a camera: close -ups, graphic movements, daring contrasts … He drew his inspiration from art, books, and even from the small uniform vignettes that adorned cigarette packs and he collected preciously, child. A promotional poster from 1967 documents the first appearance of the famous sailor, first a secondary character in a monthly review before becoming the hero of his own story. Corto Maltese’s first album, Salted sea balladthen marks the start of a series of thrilling adventures around the world. Original black and white boards, colorful watercolors and felt drawings reflect all the inventiveness of Hugo Pratt, himself keen on travel. Over the pages, Corto Maltese crisscrosses the oceans, travels the continents. Greek references, aztec drawings, warrior women, araign men intertwine, showing a taste for fantasy, but also of a real ethnological interest. Put in parallel with the albums, a pirogue model, a giant shell or a Massai shield underline the precision of Pratt’s drawing. A journey as well literary and literal!