(Walt Disney Studios, 1937) Original preliminary model sheet drawing of Mickey Mouse created as an artist reference for the Walt Disney Studios art department. Accomplished in graphite on untrimmed 12 x 10 animation paper, the model drawing features five matching full-figure sketches of Mickey, each showing him smiling, his right hand on his hip, and his left hand in the air, all of which are surrounded by artist instructions in pencil, which read, in part: “The head is constructed from a slightly ‘flattened circle’ – so are the ears,” “Cheeks bulge slightly,” “The eyes fit the roundness of the head by following the center line of the face,” “Arms and legs taper slightly – knees break below half, legs heavier than arms.” Of further interest is a “Comparative Sizes” legend to the lower right that contains rough size sketches of Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Pluto, and Goofy. Images range in size from 1 x 1.5 (Donald Duck) to 2.75 x 3.5, with a mat opening of 12.75 x 11. Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 20.75 x 18.75. In fine condition.
