Comics (visual narratives as a whole) must be understood as an independent art form, one which nevertheless has close links with other art forms (literature, theatre, film). The relationship with the visual arts is particularly close. It is not only Pop artists who have incorporated comic elements (characters, panels, sequences of images, etc.) in their works; the visual interplay with comic references displays great diversity right through to contemporary art. Conversely, numerous comics have always referenced works of art from all eras and cultures, much like an imaginary museum. The functions of these references and their intentions can vary greatly, ranging from light-hearted play to parody or the highlighting of specific content. The lecture will illustrate this interplay using selected striking examples.