An original production drawing of Timothy Q. Mouse from Walt Disney's animated film Dumbo.
Drawings like this formed the foundation of Disney's most iconic features, meticulously crafted and photographed frame by frame to bring each character to life. Walt Disney considered these pencil drawings essential records of the creative process and insisted they be preserved and archived in the studio vault.
By contrast, the production cels were seen as mostly a tool of the job, and many were destroyed. Over eight decades later, few pencil drawings survive outside the studio's own archive. A rare and highly desirable piece of original production art and a brilliant reminder that, before the ink and paint, just a pencil brought the magic to life.
As Dumbo's loyal companion, Timothy plays a central role in the emotional heartbeat of the film, and this expressive pose showcases the personality animation that defines Disney's Golden Age. With its strong character presence, animation integrity, and direct link to a pivotal moment in Disney history, this piece stands as a testament to the artistry and innovation of 1940s feature animation.
The drawing was created in red and graphite pencil on 12-field, 5-peg hole Disney animation paper typical in the 1940s. Numbered "9" in the lower right corner, this full-figure image captures Timothy in mid-gesture, his raised hand and alert posture brimming with his classic charm and determined spirit. The use of red pencil to rough out the underdrawing, followed by graphite for the final line, was a hallmark of the studio's approach, allowing animators to plan movement and refine expression with precision. Dimensions: 25.5 cm x 30.5 cm (10" x 12")
Sold without copyright; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.