Hergé, at the gates of death, wrote to his friend Gabriel Matzneff. 1982

Georges Rémi dit Hergé

Autograph card signed to Gabriel Matzneff.

An oblong octavo page.

[Innsbruck. Austria] September 22, 1982.

Very moving card, the last that Hergé sent to his faithful friend Gabriel Matzneff.

Struck with a double pneumonia, while he stays in the Austrian Alps, Hergé does not stop his humor while his failing health leads him inexorably towards death. Tintin's father died a few weeks later, on March 3, 1983.

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"You know, isn't it, the law of universal vexations, by virtue of which it is always the buttered side (we jammed, as desired) of the tartin which flanks on the ground.

Well, while people with sensitive lungs are going to be treated in the mountains, it was enough I culminate at 900 m. altitude to catch pneumonia (double, of course: nothing should be done halfway).

We come back earlier than expected, repatriated by Europe-Assistance. We hope you, in better health! Sincerely. Georges and Fanny. ”

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On February 25, 1983 , Hergé entered intensive care for heart failure. After a week, he died on March 3, 1983 at the age of 75. He is buried, at his request, at the Dieweg cemetery in the Brussels commune of Uccle.