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(Walt Disney Studios, 1950s-1960s) Original painting of six versions of Mickey Mouse entitled ‘Mickey Through the Years,’ which was created as a logo for Disney’s animation department. Accomplished in graphite and gouache on a 15.5 x 7.5 sheet of artist board, the artwork shows the evolution of the Mickey Mouse design with six different styles, from black-and-white Steamboat Willie to full color Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Of further interest is the scene itself, with each Mickey, except for the last, adding finishing touches to the Mickey in front of him. Although unconfirmed, it’s believed that this painting was intended to be used as a Disney letterhead design. In fine condition, with a short tear to the bottom edge.
Originates from the estate of Jack Cutting, an animator turned international content supervisor for Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he worked for 46 years. Cutting was considered among the frontrunners for synchronizing sound and image, and his 1939 film, The Ugly Duckling, won the 1940 Oscar in Best Short Subject (Cartoons).
Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Cutting’s grandson: “This letter is to verify that this original painting, ‘Mickey through the Years,’ was one of the many pieces of Disney art that my grandfather, Jack Cutting, collected over his 40+ years with the Walt Disney Co. He started working as an artist with Walt in the late 1920's, when there were only a handful of employees. This letter is printed on my grandfather’s company notepad.”
