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A beautiful framed multi-cel Courvoisier setup featuring Figaro from Walt Disney's Pinocchio. Figaro was animated by Eric Larson, one of Disney's legendary "Nine Old Men," who excelled at giving personality and emotional weight to the studio's animal characters. Larson made Figaro one of the most memorable supporting characters in Pinocchio, his gestures as relatable as those of any human. The success of these sequences helped define the studio's hallmark blend of realism, charm, and character-driven storytelling.
This sequence of Figaro trying to sleep occurs as Pinocchio, newly brought to life, begins to ask the endless questions of a curious child. At the same time, Geppetto explains that everyone needs their sleep. Figaro, irritated but adorably human in his frustration, turns and pulls up the covers, perfectly capturing the humour and warmth of Disney's animation during its golden age.
The scene shows the ever-expressive cat, tucked beneath a cel overlay of blankets with separate cels for Figaro and the pillow, all presented on an original Courvoisier airbrushed background. The composition and layering give the piece remarkable depth, characteristic of the studio's artistry during this era.
Courvoisier setups were the first officially released studio artwork made available to the public. Each piece was hand-selected by Disney's distribution partner, Courvoisier Galleries, in the late 1930s and early 1940s, mounted on specially prepared, airbrushed backgrounds, and sold through fine art galleries. These early releases predated the concept of limited editions, making them the earliest form of Disney art collecting and among the most historically significant.
This setup exemplifies the Courvoisier aesthetic, with its warm tonality and expert presentation. It is a quintessential image of Figaro at his most characterful, from one of Disney's most acclaimed features. Dimensions (framed): 41.5 cm x 39 cm x 3 cm (16.25" x 15.25" x 1.25")
Sold without copyright; see copyright notice in the Terms and Conditions.
Estimate: £3,000 - 6,000 M
View all lots from PINOCCHIO (1947)