An original production multi-cel setup used in the making of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Walt Disney's groundbreaking first full-length animated feature and the film that laid the foundation for the studio's legacy. Drawing on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Snow White redefined what animation could achieve emotionally, artistically, and technically.

This beautifully staged setup captures Snow White surrounded by her forest friends in a moment of calm and song following her escape into the woods. The scene's warmth and charm have helped cement it as one of the film's most enduring images. Snow White's graceful posture and naturalistic gestures were achieved using the then-revolutionary technique of rotoscoping - tracing over live-action reference footage to ensure fluid, believable movement. Marge Belcher (later Marge Champion), a trained dancer, was filmed in the role, allowing animators to blend realism with stylised charm.

The original production cels, hand-inked and painted, have been trimmed and placed over an airbrushed Courvoisier background created specifically for presentation purposes, with contextual detail that reflects the scene's tone and setting. Delicate ink lines and surface detailing on the hair add richness to the composition, while the interaction between Snow White and the animals offers the classic characterisation Disney does best.

It is presented in a deep-set frame under laminated glass, with a vintage Walt Disney label affixed to the reverse. There is some slight wear to the lower corner of the frame, but the artwork remains a captivating and iconic piece from a film that changed cinema forever. Dimensions (framed): 38.25 cm x 36 cm x 4 cm (15" x 14.25" x 1.5")

Sold without copyright; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Additional Provenance:
Lot 1348, Bonhams TCM Presents ... Out of This World! Auction, 21st November 2017