Original production animation drawing of two Cupids in red, blue, and graphite pencils, production numbers lower left and numbered 17 lower right; and used during the production of "The Pastoral Symphony" sequence of "Fantasia," 1940, Walt Disney Studios; Size - Two Cupids: 3 3/4 x 5 1/4", Sheet 10 x 12"; Unframed.
"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 Two Cupids production drawing.
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.
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.
Close up of the production number stamp.
Close up of the production number.
Fred
Moore, one of Walt Disney's most brilliant animators, supervised the
animation of this scene. In this wonderful original production drawing,
two Cupids are looking at each other while in flight. The right cupid has a horn in his hand and both are eyes
open and smiling! A delightful and beautiful original piece of animation
artwork from "Fantasia," 1940.
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