![Wolfgang von Trips’ Ferrari 315S lines up on the Mille Miglia start ramp Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: Michel Constant](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/2023-11/Classic-%26-Sports-Car-Motoring-art-Michel-Constant-05.png?itok=g5dY5HxL)
France and Belgium have a long tradition of graphic art, so much so that it’s commonly regarded as the ninth art form.
From Spirou to Michel Vaillant, automobiles and motorsport have regularly inspired some famous comic-book characters, but less familiar are the adventures of Mauro Caldi.
Written by Denis Lapière, this eight-part series is drawn by Belgian Michel Constant and coloured by his partner ‘Béa’.
Set in Italy during the post-war years, it mixes racing with the criminal underworld, all vividly brought to life by the marvellous penwork and atmospheric tones of this artistic husband-and-wife team.
![Classic Grand Prix cars line up at Spa-Francorchamps Classic & Sports Car – Motoring art: Michel Constant](/sites/default/files/2023-11/Classic-%26-Sports-Car-Motoring-art-Michel-Constant-06.png)
The Spa-Francorchamps circuit stars in Les voleurs de Ferrari, a comic book illustrated by artists Michel and Béatrice Constant
Born in 1963, Michel grew up in Bellaire, Liège.
From an early age he developed a talent for drawing inspired by his love of comics, and at school he became close friends with Marc Morgan.
Both went on to study comic art at the École Supérieure des Arts Saint-Luc, but Morgan later focused on a music career.
While at art college, Michel met future wife and collaborator Béatrice.