An original production animation drawing of Grumpy from Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the studio's groundbreaking first full-length animated feature from 1937, a film that forever changed the landscape of animation and cinema.
While Disney rarely credited individual animators on specific drawings, it's worth noting that some of Disney's greatest talents shaped Grumpy's personality: Fred Moore, Frank Thomas, and particularly Bill Tytla, whose expressive draftsmanship brought complex emotions to life. Tytla, one of Disney's legendary "Nine Old Men," was especially admired for his work on Grumpy, giving the character surprising depth.
The drawing shows Grumpy in a moment of startled irritation, clutching the edge of a curtain or blanket as he turns his head sharply, a classic Grumpy pose filled with attitude and tension.
Rendered in graphite with red pencil underdrawing, this piece provides a fascinating insight into the Disney animation process. The red pencil, often used by assistants or cleanup animators, was essential for blocking movement, refining shapes, or clarifying volumes before the final graphite line went down. The circular, rough construction lines around the face and body helped the animators maintain proportion and fluidity across frames. The curtain or drapery seen drawn behind Grumpy was likely part of the background staging, and the animator included it here to ensure correct interaction with the environment.
The paper is original Disney five-hole punched animation paper, and the number "248" in the lower right corner refers to its frame number within the scene. As a piece of Disney history, this is not only a collectable but a beautiful piece of animation art that embodies the technical brilliance, charm, and pioneering artistry of Snow White. Dimensions: 25.5 cm x 30.5 cm (10" x 12")
Sold without copyright; see copyright notice in the Buyer's Guide.
This item will ship from our LA facility