(Walt Disney Studios, 1953) Original large concept storyboard painting by Eyvind Earle featuring Princess Aurora and Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty, showing Princess Aurora seated under Maleficent's spell just before pricking her finger on the evil spinning wheel. In trademark Earle fashion, the scene is expertly realized with rich detail and vibrant color: the checkered floors, stone walls, and furniture give both texture and a distinct sense of mystery with its medley of purple, blue, and green. Princess Aurora gleams in her marvelous blue dress, and the wicked Maleficent stands at center with her accursed scepter in hand. Accomplished in gouache on 22.25 x 8.5 artist's board, signed in the lower right corner in light green paint, "Eyvind Earle." In fine condition, with tack holes to corners.
Legendary Disney artist Eyvind Earle was Sleeping Beauty's production designer, and Disney gave him a significant amount of freedom in designing the settings and selecting colors for the film. Earle also painted the majority of the backgrounds himself, and his stylistic influence is readily apparent in the final product.
