Heading:
Author: [Original Comic Art] Walt Disney Animation Art
Title: Snow White and the Seven Dwarves "HAPPY" Production Cel * Courvoisier Background
Place Published:
Publisher:Walt Disney Animation Studios
Date Published: 1937
Description:

Hand-painted production cel, image area approximately 3½x4½", trimmed to approximately 4½x6½" and applied to a Courvoisier star-patterned background stamped at bottom margin: "HAPPY," matted and framed to 11½x14½". Excellent condition, not inspected outside of original gallery frame. Provenance: The consignor, a Western gentleman, says: "I had it when I was a little boy in the 1930s in my room. I do not know the name of the dwarf since it has been over 80 years since I saw the movie. I am 86 now."

Prior to 1937's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," cels and other production materials used for animated features were generally regarded as valueless, and they were routinely discarded. This changed when a visionary gallerist made an inspired deal with Walt Disney:

"In 1938, an art dealer named Guthrie Courvoisier was looking for something fresh and obtainable he could represent in his San Francisco gallery. At a time when Post-Impressionism, Realism, Cubism, Modernism and all sorts of other new 'isms' were being [represented by other galleries], Courvoisier turned to a man whose visions and renderings were not even considered true art: Walt Disney." — A Guide to Courvoisier Disney Animation Cels, Antiquetalk.com.

A limited edition of 150 softcover and 15 hardcover catalogues is available. 400 lots, fully illustrated. Fun reference, great keepsake. Softcover $30, deluxe hardcover with dust jacket and limitation plate $200. Ten of the 15 hardcovers are pre-ordered and the rest will go quickly, so reserve yours now. To order, contact ivan@pbagalleries.com.

Consignments welcome for PBA's December 2021 Comic Book sale. Top prices for Pre-Code Horror, Golden Age, Silver Age, original art and ephemera. Send inquiries to ivan@pbagalleries.com.