Lot 96295: GUSTAF TENGGREN (American, 1896-1970) Snow White

GUSTAF TENGGREN (American, 1896-1970) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, movie poster art, c. 1937 Ink and watercolor on board 18.75 x 15.5 in. Not signed The coming of Walt Disney's first feature-length animated film resulted in this wonderfully detailed movie poster illustration by the great children's book artist, Gustaf Tenggren. In 1936 Tenggren was hired by The Walt Disney Company to work as the stylist on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first American feature-length animated film. He created the distinctive, Old World look that Walt Disney sought for his breakthrough animated feature. Although only minor characters in the version written by the Brothers Grimm, the Seven Dwarfs took on starring roles in Disney's film version. Tenggren's drawing captures perfectly the major characteristics of each of the Dwarfs, as well as the resonant, timeless beauty of Snow White. Offered here is the original art used as the centerpiece of the exceptionally rare 40 X 60 in. Snow White poster. The poster appears in the original press book, and it was priced at $1.25 apiece to theater owners. Featuring Tenggren's artwork, this poster has long been the most desirable image from the film as it displays all of the major characters. The all-important Disney film called for something new in style and design to match the storybook mood of the piece. Walt Disney personally searched for and chose the key artist of exceptional talent who would create the drawings and paintings that would excite his entire staff--Gustaf Tenggren. At the time of Snow White, Tenngren's work represented the best of the "Golden Age of Illustration" in the Edwardian gift book era, and his art was ranked alongside such luminaries as Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac, and Kay Nielsen. As intended, Tenggren's image inspired the Disney artists to do their finest work in finding the right mood for the scenes and backgrounds, and this art was also used for posters, promotional flyers, ads, children's books, as well as the studio stationary used during production of the film. The success of Snow White guaranteed the continued production of four other full-length features, including Pinocchio. Tenggren's early, peak period Disney artwork is eagerly sought-after and to state that this is a landmark piece of animation art is a major understatement - in short, this incredible, iconic original is the most important image from Walt Disney's most important animated film by its most important artist. Smaller, significantly lesser quality Tengrenn drawings for Snow White have sold for prices of $60,000 and up. This is the ultimate piece of animation art from the entire history of the medium and a true American treasure. As such, our offering represents a historic and unparalleled opportunity.