Iranian Author Marjane Satrapi To Auction ‘Persepolis’ Artwork

Acclaimed Iranian author Marjane Satrapi will auction off original artwork from her iconic graphic novel, ‘Persepolis’.

Author's Corner Diverse Voices Female Voices

Acclaimed Iranian Author Marjane Satrapi will auction off the original artwork from her famed graphic novel Persepolis, which depicts life in post-Revolution Iran.

The 44 pages are estimated to sell for $4,500 to $6,700 at an online auction managed by Sotheby’s London.

Image via Goodreads

According to Satrapi, she decided to sell these prints six months ago, before protests following the death of 23-year-old Mahsa Amini swept Iran.

Image via Sotheby’s

Speaking with The Guardian, Satrapi reflects, “I could have never imagined it would in the context of the incredible scenes we’re seeing in Iran today…and the huge difference with my time is the boys were not with us. The beauty now is that there are boys and girls together. So this is what gives me hope as well as feeling extremely sad because of this violence. There is nothing more beautiful and inspiring than their courage.”

Satrapi has not been to Iran for 22 years, calling it “a big price to pay.” Still, she hopes “the situation will go towards something beautiful that is called freedom and democracy.”

Satrapi published Persepolis in 2000, challenging western misconceptions about Iranian culture and history.

“Persepolis is an undisputed masterpiece, a phenomenon that transcends borders and established comic books as a literary genre,” says Sotheby’s Middle Eastern art specialist Ashkan Baghestani.

“Each of these pages is a tribute to the history of Iran, but also to every child that grew up in times of conflict.”

Sotheby’s works will be up for auction on October 19th and on display from October 21st.

FEATURED IMAGE VIA THE GUARDIAN