(Walt Disney Studios, 1959) Incredible original production cel and panorama production background of Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty, depicting the evil sorceress within the confines of her ancient castle. The cel has been trimmed and applied to a stunning hand-painted production background attributed to the legendary Eyvind Earle. Maleficent is portrayed here with scepter and outcast finger, reproaching the various goons assigned to recover the missing Briar Rose; their foolish search for an infant—Rose has been missing for nigh on sixteen years—has placed the sorceress in a particularly foul mood. In addition to the work's smooth coloring and powerful imagery, the high detail of the background—the mildewed archways of Maleficent's inner castle—were brought to life by the esteemed Eyvind Earle, the foremost background illustrator for Disney's classic films of the 1950s. Image measures 20.25 x 9.75, with a mat opening of 25.25 x 10.5. Mat dimensions are 32 x 17.5. In fine condition, with a few small areas of lifting to paint. An atypically large piece of original Disney artwork that depicts the infamous villainess in all her splendid and vindictive fury.
