Breton artist Xavier Marabout has won his case against Moulinsart, the company that manages Hergé’s estate. He was indicted for his paintings of Tintin in a setting inspired by the world of the American painter Edward Hopper. The French newspaper Ouest France reports this on Monday.
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Moulinsart accused the artist of forging 23 paintings and demanded between 10,000 and 15,000 euros in damages. Marabout himself insisted on his freedom to parody Hergé’s work.
In its verdict, the court of Rennes acknowledged the “parody as an exception to copyright”, because there was a “humorous intention” and that the artist “criticizes” with his work. For the second civil chamber, where the debates took place on March 8, there is “no likelihood of confusion between Hergé and Marabout,” said the painter’s lawyers.
In addition, the court finds that Moulinsart has unfairly discredited Xavier Marabout because it had turned to art galleries with a request not to exhibit his works. It will therefore have to pay 10,000 euros in damages to the Breton painter, plus 20,000 euros in legal costs.
Monday’s ruling is not final, as Moulinsart still has the option to appeal.
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