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A dynamic and expressive original production drawing of Mickey Mouse from Canine Caddy (1941), a short that stands as a quintessential example of early 1940s Disney animation.
Rendered in graphite and red pencil on 12.5 x 10.5 inch animation paper, this lively drawing captures Mickey mid-swing, poised with concentration and charm as he prepares to strike the golf ball. His determined stance, curved posture, and concentrated gaze reveal the subtle artistry that made Mickey such an enduring and human character during Disney's Golden Age.
Created under the direction of Clyde Geronimi and produced by Walt Disney, Canine Caddy represents a pivotal moment in the studio's evolution toward greater realism and expressive character performance. Released in 1941, it was one of Mickey's last shorts before Donald and Goofy took centre stage, marking the end of an era for the studio's flagship character. The short also featured Pluto as Mickey's faithful caddy, with their interplay reflecting the warmth and humour that defined Disney storytelling of the time.
This drawing features visible red rough construction lines beneath the tighter graphite clean-up, a hallmark of the studio's animation process. The green linework likely denotes ink and paint department instructions for tonal shadow, helping define the shape and lighting for cel painters down the production line. Along the right-hand side, key frame indicators mark its sequence and scene placement, confirming its use as a working studio drawing rather than a later reproduction.
Mickey's design here reflects the influence of master animator Fred Moore, whose 1930s redesign softened the character's features, introduced more fluid movement, and gave him an unmistakable warmth and relatability. This drawing perfectly illustrates that evolution, the shift from a mischievous cartoon figure to a fully realised personality conveyed through gesture and rhythm rather than words.
As an original production drawing from a wartime-era Mickey Mouse short, this piece embodies both artistry and history. It offers a direct link to Disney's hand-drawn tradition, revealing the thought process, layering, and craftsmanship that brought the world's most famous mouse to life frame by frame.
A superb example of character animation in its purest form, and a true highlight for collectors of classic Disney art. Dimensions (framed): 49 x 45 x 3 cm (19.25" x 17.75" x 1.25")
Sold without copyright; see copyright notice in the Terms and Conditions.
Estimate: £1,000 - 2,000 Ω
View all lots from CANINE CADDY (1941)