Original Production Animation Cel of Prince John from "Robin Hood," 1973

Original hand painted production animation cel of Prince John from "Robin Hood," 1973, Walt Disney Studios; Walt Disney seal lower left; Set on a lithographic background; Numbered 83 in ink lower right; Framed with a black and gold wood frame, gold wood fillet, two acid free linen mats, and UV conservation clear glass; Size - Prince John: 6 3/4 x 9 1/4", Image 9 x 12", Frame 22 x 25".

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"To coin a phrase, my dear counselor, rob the poor to feed the rich." Prince John

The history of Robin Hood is that he is a heroic outlaw from English folklore who, according to legend, was a highly skilled archer and swordsman. He is usually depicted dressed in green, leads a band of Merry Men, and his motto is "robbing from the rich and giving to the poor." Robin Hood has became a popular folk figure, with ballads dating back to as early as the 15th century.

"Robin Hood" was the twenty-first full length animated film released by Walt Disney Studios on November 8, 1973. Robin Hood is an anthropomorphic fox and the protagonist of the film. Although Robin Hood is often shown as an outlaw who chooses to rob from the rich to help the poor people, in this Disney animated version, he is shown mainly attacking Prince John and his agents (Sir Hiss and the Sheriff of Nottingham), who have impoverished Nottingham with high taxes. Robin Hood and Little John steal the tax caravans and give it back to the peasants while trying to avoid capture.

Original production animation cel of Prince John without the background.

Close up of the Walt Disney seal.

Close up of the production number.

Framed original production animation cel of Prince John

All the characters in Disney's version of "Robin Hood" were played by animals. Prince John was a lion, Sir Hiss (no surprise) was a snake, and the Sheriff of Nottingham was a wolf. Prince John is a spoiled King who will resort to any underhanded trick so that he can maintain the crown and throne of Nottingham; and was voiced by the great and deep voiced Peter Ustinov. Sir Hiss was voiced by Terry-Thomas (who's hissing speech was masterful), and both were animated by Ollie Johnston. The on-screen presence of the two together is just wonderful and Johnston's animation skills, at this point, are top notch! The personalities are different and distinct, as are the ways the two different characters move and interact. Kaa from a prior film "Jungle Book," 1967 must have been a nice starting point, in order to allow Sir Hiss to show more emotion and expression through the use of not only his face and head, but his tail.

This is a wonderful original production cel of Prince John talking to Sir Hiss. They are on their way to Nottingham and discussing the issue of taxing the poor, and Prince John says, "To coin a phrase, my dear counselor, rob the poor to feed the rich." Prince John while holding his crown in his paws says to Sir Hiss, "Tell me, ah what is the next stop, ah Sir Hiss?" A spectacular eyes and mouth open hand painted animation cel of the primary villain of the film, and a great addition to any animation art collection!

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