Obélix turned into bronze
Monnaie de Paris mint creates special 4.3kg statuettes for cartoon fans
OBELIX has been turned into bronze for a special edition artwork by the Monnaie de Paris – which created 20 statuettes of the giant Gaul carrying a menhir on his back.
The 4.3kg statuettes are for firm fans of Astérix and Obélix and the work was overseen by original artist, 86-year-old Albert Uderzo, who was present at every major stage of production – from the pouring of the 1000C bronze metal to the shaping of the statues and the final polishing.
He signed each of the works and said he was “very proud and emotional to see Obelix, who I first drew in 1959, being transformed into such a precious bronze artwork”.
He added that the “work of the foundrymen, engravers and sculptors echoed that of the designer”.
The statuettes were created to mark the launch of the new Astérix chez les Pictes album and each one has already been sold to fans – priced at €2,900 each. The menhir can be taken off.
Founded itself in 864, the Monnaie de Paris mint marks 1,150 years next year and it is France’s oldest continually operating business. However, it no longer strikes coins on its Seine-side factory on Quai Conti – this is done at Pessac in Gironde.
Photo: JM.Martin/Monnaie de Paris
