Wathéry, Francois - Original artwork - Natacha - La mémoire de métal / Natasje - Het metalen geheugen

Original artwork created by Francois Walthéry in ink, dimensions 30x42 cm. Signed by him at the bottom.
The drawing represents the same scene that was used for the cover of Natacha 3, La mémoire de métal (Het metalen geheugen).

Walthéry created the original cover for the first edition of the album in 1974 (see image 3, album not included in this lot).
Natacha has the typical 1970's look with heavy make-up.
In 1988, Walthéry made an actualised version of the cover for a re-edition of the album (see image 4, album not included in this lot).. To create the new cover, a copy of the first one was used, because it is almost completely identical. Only the head of Natacha has been changed.

The drawing that is on auction today however, is a different version. Looking at the multiple differences, the position of Natacha's arm, the interior of the car, her belt, the front of the pursuing car, the splashing, etc... it is obvious that Walthéry did not make a copy but recreated the 1974 version.
There is however a technical error that makes the cover unusable for print: the left wheel/tyre of the pursuing car, that can be seen next to Natacha's head, is out of balance with the dimensions of the car.

When requested about the origin of the alternative version, Walthéry declared: "it was made by me but never used for publication. Later on, I sold it". The drawing was sold on 8/5/2012 to a private collector. At that time, Walthéry put at stamp at the back, filled in the date and signed (see image 6). He used to do this with originals to claim ownership and copyright. In this case, the ownership clause was scratched out, because it was sold.
The exact year of creation of the alternative cover is not clear. Walthéry seems to remember that it was made before the 1988 cover for the re-edition, but never used for publication.