Saturday, September 20, 2025

Original Production Animation Cel of The Grand Duke from "Cinderella," 1950

Original hand inked and hand painted production animation cel of The Grand Duke holding the Glass Slipper on a Velvet Pillow; Set on a lithographic background from "Cinderella," 1950, Walt Disney Studios; Numbered 47 in ink lower right; Size - The Grand Duke: 6 3/4 x 6 1/2", Image 10 1/2 x 14"; Unframed.

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"You'll try this on every maid in my kingdom, and if the shoe fits... (brings his sword to the Grand Duke's nose, with the slipper hanging off the tip) bring her in!" - King
"Y-y-yes, Your Majesty." - Grand Duke  

The 1950 Walt Disney feature film "Cinderella" was based on the French version of the tale by Charles Perrault, entitled "Cinderella" and written in 1698. The film was the second in the series of great Princess films developed by Disney, the first being Snow White in 1937. The character of Cinderella is usually front and center in the pantheon of Disney Princess merchandise, perhaps because she is the only Princess not to be of a noble blood line who ended up marrying a Prince and becoming royalty.
 
The Grand Duke was animated by Milt Kahl and voiced by Luis d'Antin van Rooten, a Mexican born American actor and author. He voice both the Grand Duke and the King. The Grand Duke was tasked with trying on the glass slipper that was left behind during 

The King commanded the Grand Duke to ensure that Cinderella and Prince Charming enjoyed a perfect, uninterrupted evening. Ever dutiful, the Duke arranged for the curtains to be drawn, giving the couple privacy and sparing them the distraction of the crowd. All went smoothly until the clock struck midnight.

Suddenly, Cinderella bolted from the ballroom. The Grand Duke pleaded for her to stay, but she fled into the night. Desperate, he called upon the guards to stop her, though she escaped their grasp. All that remained was a single glass slipper, which the Duke carefully retrieved.

With dread in his heart, he returned to the King, who was celebrating his son’s apparent good fortune. Interrupting the merriment, the Duke delivered the disheartening news: the mysterious young woman had vanished. The King, furious beyond reason, accused the Duke of conspiring with the Prince to avoid marriage, and in a fit of rage even attempted to strike him down. The Duke barely dodged the assault, stammering that all was not lost—Cinderella had left behind the glass slipper. The Prince, he insisted, would accept no bride but the one whose foot fit the shoe. At this, the King’s wrath gave way to triumph. Though the Duke cautioned that the slipper might fit any number of women, the King declared that such a complication was the Prince’s problem. His command was simple: the Duke was to scour the entire kingdom until the maiden was found.

"The glass slipper is their only clue. Now, the duke has been ordered to try it on every girl in the kingdom. And if one can be found whom the slipper fits, then, by the King's command, that girl shall be the prince's bride." - Lady Tremaine

By morning, weary but determined, the Duke set out with the Herald. Their search eventually brought them to the manor of Lady Tremaine. One by one, Anastasia and Drizella forced their feet into the slipper, twisting and straining in vain. Convinced there was no one else, the Duke prepared to depart when Cinderella herself appeared. Lady Tremaine protested bitterly, declaring the girl was merely a servant unworthy of notice, but the Duke brushed her aside. His orders were clear—every maiden must be given a chance.

He motioned for the Herald to present the slipper, but Lady Tremaine treacherously tripped him. The glass shoe flew through the air, shattering into countless pieces at the Duke’s feet. His face drained of color as he imagined the King’s wrath. Yet hope was not lost—Cinderella revealed she still possessed the other slipper. Overjoyed, the Duke seized it and pressed it to his lips in relief. Carefully, he placed it upon Cinderella’s foot, and it fit with perfect grace.

At last, the mystery was solved. With jubilant heart, the Duke escorted Cinderella—joined by her loyal animal friends—to the castle. There, she was reunited with Prince Charming, while Lady Tremaine and her daughters were left in stunned silence, their schemes undone forever.

This cel is from the scene when the horse drawn royal carriage arrives to carry Lady Tremaine, and The Grand Duke is seen sleeping as the coach pulls up to the chateau. On his lap is the glass slipper sitting on a velvet pillow. A great piece of vintage Walt Disney animation artwork from the full length masterpiece "Cinderella" and a fantastic addition to any art collection!

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