Mickey Mouse 1940's Basic Principles Model Sheet

Mickey Mouse

MEDIUM: Original Production Model Sheet
IMAGE SIZE: 16 Field
PRODUCTION: Walt Disney Studios, c. 1940s
SKU: SSV1152

ABOUT THE IMAGE: Original Production Model Sheet titled “Basic Principles on Mickey for Clean-Up Men, Breakdown and In-Betweeners.” This highly detailed reference sheet was used in-house at Walt Disney Studios to guide animators in drawing Mickey Mouse consistently across scenes. Featuring multiple sketches of Mickey in various poses, with handwritten notes on movement, proportions, and character design, this piece is both a collector’s treasure and a behind-the-scenes look at the craft of classic animation. Comes with a certificate of authenticity.

ABOUT THE CONTEXT: This model sheet is not tied to a single short, but rather served as a studio-wide guide during the 1940s—Disney's golden age of animation. Created to help clean-up artists, breakdown artists, and in-betweeners maintain consistent character integrity, it showcases the technical precision and artistry behind Mickey Mouse’s timeless appeal. Notations by Disney animator Nick Nichols, this rare piece of animation history reflects the collaborative effort that brought Mickey to life in countless iconic appearances.

ABOUT THE MEDIUM: A Model Sheet consists of a collection of character sketches showcasing various stances and facial expressions of a cartoon character. These sheets served as a means to ensure a consistent appearance and demeanor for a character during the production process, facilitating collaboration among multiple artists working on a single cartoon.

Own a piece of animation history with this incredibly rare and informative Mickey Mouse model sheet — a true collector’s gem from Walt Disney’s animation legacy.