Original Production Animation Drawing of Merlin from "The Sword In The Stone," 1963

Original production animation drawing of Merlin in graphite, blue, and red pencils from "The Sword In The Stone," 1963, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered 61 lower center left and lower right; Size - Merlin: 9 x 5", Sheet 12 1/2 x 15 1/2"; Unframed.

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"The Sword in the Stone," 1963 is the 18th full length feature film produced by Walt Disney and it was released on December 25, 1963 by Buena Vista Distribution. The film was based on the novel of the same name, that was first published in 1938. It was later republished in 1958 as the first book of T. H. White's tetralogy "The Once and Future King." It was to be the final Disney animated film released before Walt Disney's death on December 15, 1966. The songs in the film were written and composed by the Sherman Brothers, who would become very famous for their future work on later Disney films including; "Mary Poppins," 1964, "The Jungle Book," 1967, and "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," 1971.

Close up of the original production animation drawing of Merlin.

Close up of the production number.

Scene/Sequence contact sheet.

Merlin is a very powerful wizard with a pet owl named Archimedes. He befriends and becomes the teacher of a 12-year old orphan named Arthur, who goes by the name of Wart. Merlin is first seen living in a forest cottage, and he believes in the philosophy of "Brain over Brawn." As a wizard, he is very intelligent, has a wide variety of powers, and is considered the most powerful wizard in the world. He has the ability to see into the future, and has the ability to shape-shift. Merlin was animated by Milt Kahl, Frank Thomas, and Ollie Johnston; and voiced by Karl Swenson who was an American theater, radio, film, and television actor.

This is a great drawing of Merlin; he is full figure, eyes open, holding his staff, and he stands nine inches tall! A very rare and wonderful drawing of the great wizard from one of Walt Disney's most memorable contemporary films.

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