(Walt Disney Studios, 1949) Exceptional original concept painting by Mary Blair featuring the Headless Horseman from the 'Legend of Sleepy Hollow' segment of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, dramatically showing him racing through the woods atop his black horse. The Headless Horseman's dark cape flutters behind him as he threateningly raises his sword over his body. Accomplished in tempera on 8.5 x 6.5 artist's board. Beautifully triple-matted and framed to an overall size of 16.5 x 15. In fine condition. Accompanied by an official 19 x 15.5 Disney artist's proof giclee of this image published in 2007, numbered AP 1/15.
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.