Auction Name: 2026 March 19 Non-Sports Trading Cards Showcase Extended Bidding Auction

Lot Number: 73018

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/43231*73018

2018 Upper Deck Marvel Masterpieces Trading Card #50 Archangel - Original Card Artwork by Simone Bianchi The 2018 Upper Deck Marvel Masterpieces trading card set marked the triumphant return of the brand's fine-art tradition, featuring fully painted artwork by acclaimed illustrator Simone Bianchi. Departing from standard comic panel imagery, the set presents richly textured, dramatic character portraits rendered in Bianchi's distinctive style - layered brushwork, atmospheric backgrounds, and sculptural anatomy. With premium card stock, elegant design elements, and a robust parallel and insert structure, the 2018 release reestablished Marvel Masterpieces as a high-end art-driven collectible line.

The artist is celebrated for his painterly approach and emotionally intense character work. Known for blending classical art techniques with modern comic sensibilities, Bianchi has worked on major Marvel titles including Astonishing X-Men, Thor, and Wolverine. His art is characterized by intricate line detail, textured shading, and a dramatic interplay of light and shadow that gives his figures a sculpted, almost mythic presence. In the world of trading cards, Bianchi's work on the 2018 Marvel Masterpieces set solidified his reputation as one of the premier contemporary artists capable of elevating superhero imagery into gallery-worthy form.

Offered here is the original final artwork by Simone Bianchi for the card #50 "Archangel". The color artwork consists of mixed media on Bristol board with an image area of 10.5" x 14.75". There is a tape abrasion and whiteout touch-ups in the margins, with light rippling/handling wear.
The original illustration has been signed by Bianchi in the top right margin. The signature has not been authenticated.

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