Walt Disney Studios (American, 20th Century) Figaro from 'Pinocchio' hand-painted celluloid 7 x 6 1/2 in. (17.7 x 16.5 cm.) framed 10 7/8 x 10 7/8 in. (27.6 x 27.6 cm.) Footnotes: Provenance Skinner, Boston, American & European Paintings, 18 November 2005, Lot 576; Acquired by the current owner from the above. Literature Lerner, Sandy. Caticons: 4,000 Years of Art Imitating Cats, Ayrshire House Publishing, 2017, p. 168, illustrated. Figaro, Walt Disney's beloved tuxedo cat, made his screen debut in the 1940 animated feature Pinocchio as Geppetto's faithful companion. Designed by Disney animator Eric Larson, Figaro quickly became one of the studio's most endearing animal characters, appearing in subsequent productions throughout the 1940s and 1950s before being reintroduced to new audiences more recently through programming on the Disney Channel. Figaro's enduring popularity reflects Walt Disney's lifelong fascination with animals, a theme that became a defining characteristic of the studio's storytelling. Following Pinocchio, Disney continued to populate its animated features with memorable animal protagonists, including Dumbo (1941), Bambi (1942), and, decades later, the Aristocats (1970). Cats have remained recurring figures within the Disney canon and extend beyond the screen. Today a colony comprising an estimated 200 cats freely roam Disneyland, serving as a means to scare away any mice that are not named Minnie or Mickey. In 2024, the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco further celebrated this legacy with an exhibition devoted to the cats and dogs of Disney, tracing the evolution of the studio's beloved animal characters and their lasting impact on generations of audiences. Condition reports are not provided in catalog descriptions. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that the lot is in good condition or free from damage and wear. We encourage you to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing