Outstanding original production cel from the 1942 classic Bambi, depicting Bambi and Thumper in the forest, presented against a specially prepared background (which appears to be an original watercolor or a very high-quality print), the image measuring 10 x 8 overall. The cel is housed in the original cream 15.5 x 14.5 mat with the pencil caption “Walt Disney’s ‘Bambi’” and the red “Original WDP” ink stamp; the mat is boldly signed and inscribed in blue-gray crayon at lower right, “To Andy—Best wishes, Walt Disney.” The presentation is housed in its original vintage frame, which retains its paper backing completely intact. The backing also bears the printed Walt Disney Productions label, which reads, in part: “This is an original painting on celluloid, actually used in the Walt Disney production of ‘Bambi.’ It is one of a select few that have been released…. Walt Disney originals are included in many important museums and private collections. Notable among these are: The Metropolitan Museum of Art …. Museum of Modern Art … Cleveland Museum of Art … etc….” The cel has been trimmed (as was usual for these presentations). A few small, very faint, marks to inside of glass (affecting nothing), otherwise very fine condition, with no evident damage to the cel, the mat remaining spotless and bright. One of the most beautifully preserved examples you could ever hope to find! RRAuction COA.
