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Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Original Production Animation Cels of Centaurs and Cupids from "The Pastoral Symphony" Sequence of "Fantasia," 1940


Original hand painted and hand inked production animation cels of four Centaurs and four Cupids set on a lithographic background; From "The Pastoral Symphony" sequence of "Fantasia," 1940, Walt Disney Studios; Framed with a gold and silver frame, gold fillet, two linen mats, and plexiglass; Size - Image: 10 1/2 x 12 1/2", Frame 21 x 25".

To purchase these cels or to visit the Art Gallery, CLICK HERE!

"The Pastoral Symphony" segment from Walt Disney's full length feature film "Fantasia," 1940 uses the 6th symphony in F, Op.68 by Ludwig van Beethoven as it's soundtrack. The symphony that Beethoven named "The Pastoral," is said to be one of the few pieces of music he ever wrote that tells a definite story. Beethoven was a great nature lover, and with this symphony he paints a musical picture of a day in the countryside. However, Walt Disney has taken Beethoven's musical score and set it as a backdrop to a fantastical mythological environment.


Close up of the original production animation cels of Centaurs and Cupids.

Disney's "The Pastoral Symphony" segment of "Fantasia" utilized expert color styling in order to depict a mythical ancient Greek world of centaurs, pegasi, the Gods of Mount Olympus, fauns, cupids, and other legendary creatures of classical mythology. The segment, directed by Hamilton Luske, Jim Handley, and Ford Beebe; tells the story of mythological creatures gathering for a festival to honor Bacchus, the God of wine.


Close up of the original production animation cels of Centaurs and Cupids.

In the prelude to the Bacchus festival, centaurs and centaurettes begin to congregate. The centaurettes spend time bathing and grooming before the appearance of the centaurs. After a while the centaurs and centaurettes begin to pair off, including the very beautiful Melinda (a blue with blonde haired centaurette with flowers in her tail) and Brudus (a purple and blue centaur with black hair). They are also serenaded by musical instrument carrying cupids, and are soon drawn to one another. Brudus kisses Melinda and they, along with the other creatures, walk hand in hand towards a nearby temple.


Framed Centaurs and Cupids original production animation cels.

Fred Moore, one of Walt Disney's most brilliant animators, supervised the animation of this scene. This is a fantastic multi-cel setup of four Centaurs and four Cupids. Original production animation cels from "Fantasia" are rare and this is great action filled scene, with all eight characters being full figure. A great addition to any animation collection.

To see these cels in the film, just click on the short video below:


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