(Walt Disney Studios, 1963) Original production key master background set-up featuring Merlin and a squirrel from The Sword in the Stone, which depicts Merlin in squirrel form being aggressively hugged by an amorous female squirrel; a few scenes prior, Merlin transformed himself and his pupil, Arthur, into squirrels to teach the latter about gravity. The cels are placed on an attractive hand-painted production background from the same film, which features a close-up of a tree branch and a backdrop of blue sky and lush forest canopy; the tree branch bears an overlay line cel used to add detail to the wood and bark. The full squirrel image measures 10.5 x 8, with a mat opening of 13.25 x 9.5. Nicely triple-matted and framed to an overall size of 22 x 19. In fine condition. A delightful presentation piece from an underrated Disney classic featuring a large dual-character image and an expertly rendered background.
