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This charming original production cel of Dopey was created during the making of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Walt Disney's first full-length animated feature and the film that redefined animation as a serious art form.

The cel captures Dopey in one of his most characteristic poses, smiling broadly, his hands tucked in his oversized sleeves, perfectly embodying the wide-eyed innocence and endearing clumsiness that made him a favourite among audiences.

Dopey, the youngest and most beloved of the Seven Dwarfs, was a masterstroke of personality animation. His character was developed largely without dialogue, a bold creative decision that allowed his expressiveness to shine purely through movement, timing, and facial nuance. Supervising animator Fred Moore, together with Vladimir "Bill" Tytla, infused Dopey with a childlike exuberance and remarkable emotional range, proving that animation could convey subtlety and heart without words. Every gesture, from his bashful smile to his exaggerated physical comedy, was carefully crafted to evoke warmth and humour.

The cel itself is a wonderful example of the refinement achieved by Disney's ink and paint department in the late 1930s. The precision of the hand-inked lines, particularly around Dopey's hat, nose, and hands, reflects the meticulous draughtsmanship demanded at the studio. His soft yellow tunic, muted grey cap, and rosy features are rendered with extraordinary control and consistency, a testament to the painters' ability to translate the animators' pencil art into vivid, dimensional colour.

The Courvoisier starry background, custom-prepared for the gallery release, enhances the sense of whimsy and purity associated with Dopey's character. Between 1937 and 1946, the Courvoisier Galleries in San Francisco were the first to offer original Disney cels as fine art, mounting them on decorative backgrounds with distinctive mattes and certificates. This pairing is quintessential of the period, both in composition and aesthetic.

Dopey's pose and expression make this an especially collectible example. Many of the few surviving cels depict transitional or partial movements, but this piece captures a moment of pure personality, the radiant grin and upright stance that encapsulate his playful, guileless nature. Large in image, beautifully preserved, and rich with character detail, it stands as a perfect representation of Dopey at his most recognisable and emotionally engaging.

For collectors, this cel represents not only one of the most adored characters in Disney history but also the artistry and innovation that made Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs the cornerstone of the Golden Age of Animation. Dimensions (framed): 34 cm x 32 cm x 3 cm (13.25" x 12.5" x 1.25")

Sold without copyright; see copyright notice in the Terms and Conditions.

Estimate: £3,000 - 6,000 Ω

View all lots from SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937)