Uderzo's Menhir

The city of Angoulême has erected an impressive menhir made of Vilhonneur stone to pay tribute to Albert Uderzo, co-creator of Asterix and Obelix; it stands nearly 5 meters tall and weighs about 8 metric tons.

History and Creation of the Menhir

This menhir was donated by the Uderzo family to the city of Angoulême and unveiled on March 17, 2022, in the presence of the daughters of Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny during the International Comics Festival (FIBD). The work honors the memory of the cartoonist, who passed away in March 2020, and echoes the famous menhirs carried by his character Obelix in the comic strip.

The Artists and Materials

The project was entrusted to sculptors François Desforges and Morgane Cabusa, who spent five weeks working on a rough block of limestone from the Vilhonneur quarries, reducing its weight from 14.7 metric tons to approximately 8 metric tons. The choice of this Charente limestone, rather than the traditional granite featured in the comic, allows the menhir to blend in with the local heritage while remaining faithful to the world created by Uderzo.

Dimensions and Location

The menhir stands nearly 5 meters tall once mounted on its base and weighs approximately 8 metric tons. It is installed on the plaza in front of the Angoulême train station, near the obelisk dedicated to René Goscinny, reinforcing the symbolism of friendship and collaboration between the two authors. The sculpture is also highlighted by street lighting, allowing it to be admired both day and night.

Significance and Tribute

The menhir pays tribute to Albert Uderzo and his creative genius, particularly his iconic character Obelix, famous for carrying menhirs. This work is part of a series of tributes to Uderzo in Angoulême, including murals and educational projects in schools, thereby increasing the visibility of his work and his universe for the public and comic book enthusiasts.

In short, the Uderzo menhir is a tangible symbol of the legacy of a legendary creator, celebrating his contribution to comic book culture and to the city of Angoulême, the French capital of the 9th art.