This year the wise men – having assigned me the role of royal page in my house – discovered a treasure that, although it was always present in my imagination, I have only now known “personally”:
Corto Maltese, the intrepid sailor created by the literary and artistic genius, Hugo Pratt. A real pleasure!
It’s not just about reading a comic; It is an immersion in a world of vignettes and imaginary seas, where Corto and Pratt merge in a symphony of adventures that taste of salt and freedom. Since then, I have been captivated, in love with the beauty, authenticity and freedom that each page exudes. My senses explode. You know when something is so exciting that it overwhelms you? Well that.
My journey to Corto Maltese is not only personal; It is a bridge that connects generations. They are stories – poetry – of the sea and freedom, which I wanted to give to my son, a devourer of worlds at the age of eleven. From Naruto to the Odyssey – the new edition from Blackie Books is highly recommended –, Tintin and the books of his beloved Roald Dahl. Now he also sails passionately alongside Corto Maltés, one more step towards forging his own path.
I am moved by her enthusiasm: “Mom, I am happy, I am very lucky to have the mother who has the best taste when choosing gifts!” I’m very fortunate.
Corto Maltese: Navigating between Vignettes and Distant Horizons
Corto emerges from the pages as the archetype of freedom. Their eyes, beyond the horizon, long for the freedom of not being tied to lands or loyalties, the freedom to explore and discover without restrictions.
Pratt, through Corto Maltés, captures adventurous romanticism, where beauty is found in every detail, in the profiles of the characters and in the exotic landscapes that serve as a backdrop for their journeys.
“Pratt knows the territory in which his stories take place because he has been contaminated by them. Invent a character like Corto Maltese, romantic, proud, sentimental and adventurous, to have a perfect travel companion, one who does not accept flattery or orders; that which is only moved by the impulse of a marked ethical hedonism; the one who would never leave a friend stranded.” _Prologue of Corto Maltés Under the sign of Capricorn _ First edition: July 2019, Norma Editorial.
Hugo Pratt: El Narrador de Historias Universales
Pratt, the master behind the brush, leaves an indelible mark on comics.
Hugo Pratt born in Rimini in 1927 and raised in Venice, in a family with a great cultural mix; a grandfather of French origin, a grandmother of Turkish origin and another Sephardic Jewish grandfather who emigrated from Spain to Venice. His life was marked by a multicultural environment, the influence of his seafaring roots and his passion for travel, elements that would later be reflected in his captivating global narratives in Correo Maltese.
Each story and character carries with it the weight of its own experiences, building a world where freedom is linked to human complexity, and aesthetics merge with the depth of the story.
“In his most lucid moments, Hugo Pratt has the analysis of the anthropologist, the subjectivity of the poet, the perspective of the chronicler, and the singular, unique gaze of the artist.” _Prologue of Corto Maltés Under the sign of Capricorn _ First edition: July 2019, Norma Editorial.
Pratt began his career in comics in the 1950s, experimenting with various genres and honing his unique style. However, his great rise to fame came in 1967 with the introduction of Corto Maltés in the magazine “Sgt. “Kirk.”
The success of Corto Maltese was not limited to the borders of Italy; Pratt gained international recognition as a master of comics. His narrative approach, enriched by his travels to exotic locations and his deep knowledge of history, captured the imagination of readers around the world. He continues to do them, I refer to the tests.
Throughout his career, Hugo Pratt received numerous awards and recognitions for his contribution to the world of comics and graphic narrative.
He continued working in comics until his death on August 20, 1995, in Lausanne, Switzerland.
His legacy endures, and Corto Maltés remains a symbol of Pratt’s narrative and visual mastery, a creator whose work transcends the boundaries of conventional comics.
After Hugo Pratt’s death in 1995, some authors have contributed additional stories or reinterpretations of the character in collaboration with the Hugo Pratt Foundation, which manages the rights to the creator’s work. These authors include Juan Díaz Canales and Rubén Pellejero, both Spanish artists, whose work is highly valued by critics and the public.
Corto Maltese Inspired Artisanal Hoop Earring
Angela Lago has designed a nautical hoop earring inspired by Corto Maltese, the anti-hero who values freedom and imagination over wealth. A modern-day Ulysses, he guides us on adventures to the world’s most intriguing destinations. Choose from 100% Sterling silver, 24k Gold plated (5 microns) Sterling silver, or custom-made 100% 18k gold. Angela suggests wearing them asymmetrically for a unique look, combining them freely with other pieces. Each piece is an original design, handcrafted by Angela Lago in her Madrid Studio-Atelier.
Conclusión:
Exploring the world of Corto Maltés alongside the artistic genius of Hugo Pratt is an exhilarating journey into realms where the sea meets freedom and imagination knows no bounds. Through Angela Lago’s vivid narrative, we traverse a landscape of adventure and cultural richness, where every vignette resonates with the spirit of exploration. Pratt’s legacy, spanning continents and generations, continues to enchant readers with its profound storytelling and aesthetic allure. In essence, Corto Maltese remains an enduring symbol of freedom and artistic brilliance—an essential read for aficionados of authenticity, the sea, and the unbridled joy of discovery.
Additional Information of Interest:
All titles of Corto Maltese and its additional stories are currently published by Norma Editorial in Spanish. Editions available in color and black and white. If you want more information about Corto and Hugo Pratt, there’s a dedicated page exclusively for that, and here is the link.
As for the rest of the treasures, mine;), they’re at Just the Sea. By the way, have you noticed that my collection of Ropes & Lines matches perfectly with Corto Maltese’s “earring style”?
Hugo Pratt was born into a multicultural family with French, Turkish, and Sephardic Jewish roots, and his life was heavily influenced by his seafaring heritage and passion for travel.
Authors like Juan Díaz Canales and Rubén Pellejero have contributed additional stories and reinterpretations of the character in collaboration with the Hugo Pratt Foundation.
Angela Lago was inspired by Corto Maltese’s adventurous spirit and freedom, reflecting these qualities in her nautical hoop earring design. Angela’s personal journey with Corto Maltese is a bridge connecting generations, enriching her own life and inspiring her son, fostering a shared love for adventure and storytelling.
Recordamos, cuando está a punto de cumplirse un nuevo aniversario, la expedición de Shackleton En 1914 no había ni GPS, ni internet, ni teléfonos satélites. Tampoco nadie hablaba de liderazgo de equipos, de resiliencia o de comunicación interpersonal. En 1914 había sextantes, brújulas y mapas. Y en ese año Sarajevo es escenario de un asesinato …
_English below_ Desde hace tiempo, fantaseo con la idea de poseer mi propio barco y navegar a mi antojo. Sin embargo, el papeleo, el mantenimiento y la responsabilidad asociada me frenan en este momento de mi vida, cuando tengo otras prioridades y gastos ineludibles. Siendo realistas la compra de un barco tendrá que esperar. Sin …
No es que el mismo Bonaparte sacase de dentro de su chaleco el diseño del famoso jersey a rayas pero sí tuvo mucho con ver con la popularización de esta prenda en su país. En 1858, en pleno segundo imperio francés, un decreto publicado en el Boletín Oficial de la Armada estableció cómo debía ser …
¿Buscas el regalo perfecto para el Día del Padre a un precio increíble? ¡En Just the Sea tenemos justo lo que necesitas! Echa un vistazo a esta lista de 10 productos náuticos en oferta en nuestra web, que seguramente harán feliz a tu padre o a tu Pepe: 1.- Jersey Matelot de Saint James 100% …
Freedom between Vignettes: Discovering Corto Maltés and Hugo Pratt
Introduction
This year the wise men – having assigned me the role of royal page in my house – discovered a treasure that, although it was always present in my imagination, I have only now known “personally”:
Corto Maltese, the intrepid sailor created by the literary and artistic genius, Hugo Pratt. A real pleasure!
It’s not just about reading a comic; It is an immersion in a world of vignettes and imaginary seas, where Corto and Pratt merge in a symphony of adventures that taste of salt and freedom. Since then, I have been captivated, in love with the beauty, authenticity and freedom that each page exudes. My senses explode. You know when something is so exciting that it overwhelms you? Well that.
My journey to Corto Maltese is not only personal; It is a bridge that connects generations. They are stories – poetry – of the sea and freedom, which I wanted to give to my son, a devourer of worlds at the age of eleven. From Naruto to the Odyssey – the new edition from Blackie Books is highly recommended –, Tintin and the books of his beloved Roald Dahl. Now he also sails passionately alongside Corto Maltés, one more step towards forging his own path.
I am moved by her enthusiasm: “Mom, I am happy, I am very lucky to have the mother who has the best taste when choosing gifts!” I’m very fortunate.
Corto Maltese: Navigating between Vignettes and Distant Horizons
Corto emerges from the pages as the archetype of freedom. Their eyes, beyond the horizon, long for the freedom of not being tied to lands or loyalties, the freedom to explore and discover without restrictions.
Pratt, through Corto Maltés, captures adventurous romanticism, where beauty is found in every detail, in the profiles of the characters and in the exotic landscapes that serve as a backdrop for their journeys.
“Pratt knows the territory in which his stories take place because he has been contaminated by them. Invent a character like Corto Maltese, romantic, proud, sentimental and adventurous, to have a perfect travel companion, one who does not accept flattery or orders; that which is only moved by the impulse of a marked ethical hedonism; the one who would never leave a friend stranded.” _Prologue of Corto Maltés Under the sign of Capricorn _ First edition: July 2019, Norma Editorial.
Hugo Pratt: El Narrador de Historias Universales
Pratt, the master behind the brush, leaves an indelible mark on comics.
Hugo Pratt born in Rimini in 1927 and raised in Venice, in a family with a great cultural mix; a grandfather of French origin, a grandmother of Turkish origin and another Sephardic Jewish grandfather who emigrated from Spain to Venice. His life was marked by a multicultural environment, the influence of his seafaring roots and his passion for travel, elements that would later be reflected in his captivating global narratives in Correo Maltese.
Each story and character carries with it the weight of its own experiences, building a world where freedom is linked to human complexity, and aesthetics merge with the depth of the story.
“In his most lucid moments, Hugo Pratt has the analysis of the anthropologist, the subjectivity of the poet, the perspective of the chronicler, and the singular, unique gaze of the artist.” _Prologue of Corto Maltés Under the sign of Capricorn _ First edition: July 2019, Norma Editorial.
Pratt began his career in comics in the 1950s, experimenting with various genres and honing his unique style. However, his great rise to fame came in 1967 with the introduction of Corto Maltés in the magazine “Sgt. “Kirk.”
The success of Corto Maltese was not limited to the borders of Italy; Pratt gained international recognition as a master of comics. His narrative approach, enriched by his travels to exotic locations and his deep knowledge of history, captured the imagination of readers around the world. He continues to do them, I refer to the tests.
Throughout his career, Hugo Pratt received numerous awards and recognitions for his contribution to the world of comics and graphic narrative.
He continued working in comics until his death on August 20, 1995, in Lausanne, Switzerland.
His legacy endures, and Corto Maltés remains a symbol of Pratt’s narrative and visual mastery, a creator whose work transcends the boundaries of conventional comics.
After Hugo Pratt’s death in 1995, some authors have contributed additional stories or reinterpretations of the character in collaboration with the Hugo Pratt Foundation, which manages the rights to the creator’s work. These authors include Juan Díaz Canales and Rubén Pellejero, both Spanish artists, whose work is highly valued by critics and the public.
Corto Maltese Inspired Artisanal Hoop Earring
Angela Lago has designed a nautical hoop earring inspired by Corto Maltese, the anti-hero who values freedom and imagination over wealth. A modern-day Ulysses, he guides us on adventures to the world’s most intriguing destinations. Choose from 100% Sterling silver, 24k Gold plated (5 microns) Sterling silver, or custom-made 100% 18k gold. Angela suggests wearing them asymmetrically for a unique look, combining them freely with other pieces. Each piece is an original design, handcrafted by Angela Lago in her Madrid Studio-Atelier.
Conclusión:
Exploring the world of Corto Maltés alongside the artistic genius of Hugo Pratt is an exhilarating journey into realms where the sea meets freedom and imagination knows no bounds. Through Angela Lago’s vivid narrative, we traverse a landscape of adventure and cultural richness, where every vignette resonates with the spirit of exploration. Pratt’s legacy, spanning continents and generations, continues to enchant readers with its profound storytelling and aesthetic allure. In essence, Corto Maltese remains an enduring symbol of freedom and artistic brilliance—an essential read for aficionados of authenticity, the sea, and the unbridled joy of discovery.
Additional Information of Interest:
All titles of Corto Maltese and its additional stories are currently published by Norma Editorial in Spanish. Editions available in color and black and white. If you want more information about Corto and Hugo Pratt, there’s a dedicated page exclusively for that, and here is the link.
My favorite bookstores, where I usually acquire all my literary treasures, are: Antonio Machado, La Mistral, and La Casa del Libro.
As for the rest of the treasures, mine;), they’re at Just the Sea. By the way, have you noticed that my collection of Ropes & Lines matches perfectly with Corto Maltese’s “earring style”?
Fair winds and happy reading!
Angela Lago
Founder of Just the Sea and Sea jewelry
Explore similar articles in our blog series, Just the Sea Journal, for more captivating reads.
FAQs
Corto Maltese is an intrepid sailor and the main character created by the literary and artistic genius, Hugo Pratt. He embodies freedom and adventure.
Corto Maltese was created by Hugo Pratt, a renowned comic artist and writer.
In Spanish, “Corto” means “fast,” reflecting the character’s quick wit and adventurous spirit.
The comics explore themes of freedom, adventure, and discovery, set against exotic landscapes and historical backdrops.
Corto Maltese belongs to the European graphic novel genre and is considered a “cult” character within this category.
Angela Lago appreciates Corto Maltese for its beauty, authenticity, and the sense of freedom it conveys, which deeply resonates with her.
Corto Maltese represents the archetype of freedom and adventurous romanticism, longing for exploration without restrictions.
Hugo Pratt has left an indelible mark on comics with his unique narrative style, rich character development, and deep historical knowledge.
Hugo Pratt was born into a multicultural family with French, Turkish, and Sephardic Jewish roots, and his life was heavily influenced by his seafaring heritage and passion for travel.
Pratt’s narrative style combines anthropological analysis, poetic subjectivity, and a unique artistic perspective, creating profound and captivating stories.
Hugo Pratt’s legacy includes his profound impact on the world of comics, with Corto Maltese remaining a symbol of his narrative and visual mastery.
Corto Maltese’s character combines Mediterranean looks and traits with Anglo-Saxon culture, creating a unique and multifaceted persona.
Authors like Juan Díaz Canales and Rubén Pellejero have contributed additional stories and reinterpretations of the character in collaboration with the Hugo Pratt Foundation.
Angela Lago was inspired by Corto Maltese’s adventurous spirit and freedom, reflecting these qualities in her nautical hoop earring design. Angela’s personal journey with Corto Maltese is a bridge connecting generations, enriching her own life and inspiring her son, fostering a shared love for adventure and storytelling.
2 replies to “Freedom between Vignettes: Discovering Corto Maltés and Hugo Pratt”
Marta lorca
Amazing Angela! Always diving into so wonderful projects! Congrats!
Angela
Thank you very much, Marta!. It’s a pleasure to share this sea path with artists I admire so much, as is your case. Love you!
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