(Walt Disney Studios, 1946) Excellent original concept painting by Mary Blair for Song of the South, showing Br'er Rabbit passing by the Tar Baby in the hot Southern sun. Blair expertly executes the scene, inspired by a classic folktale as told by Joel Chandler Harris in his 'Uncle Remus' stories. In the sequence, Br'er Fox sets up the sticky 'tar baby' on a log as a decoy; Br'er Rabbit tries to greet him while passing by, and—insulted by the inanimate object's lack of response—proceeds to punch it in the face. Br'er Rabbit becomes trapped in the gooey mess created by the melting tar, caught at last by the conniving Br'er Fox. Accomplished in tempera on 9.75 x 9 artist's board. In fine condition, with tack holes at corners.
Blair was a concept artist for Disney during the 1940s and early 1950s, working on designs for such films as Peter Pan, Cinderella, and Alice in Wonderland. She also created designs for several Disney attractions (including It's a Small World), and her largest work ever, the multi-story mosaic in Disney World's Contemporary Hotel concourse. A superb conception of a classic folk tale by one of Disney's great artists.
