The James B. Parks Collection of Fine Prints

On Monday, November 9, 2009, Swann Galleries will be auctioning a tremendous collection of prints. The items showcased, from the James B. Parks Collection of Fine Prints, stands as a testament to the fantastic form of printmaking. Dating back to the 1700s and progressing through the 20th century, the collection features items from Jackson Pollack, Picasso, Francisco José de Goya, and, of interest to the Main Street Gazette’s readers, Walt Disney.

When collecting the astounding pieces, Mr. Parks looked not to pieces that would inspire envy in those who viewed the gathering, but rather to those that would allow him to showcase the full width and breadth of the history of printmaking. Of Walt Disney, Parks states, “…Walt Disney! ‘Cartoonist?’ No way … he was the most brilliant Surrealist!”

The brilliant Surrealist is represented in five lots and showcases not only Mickey Mouse, but also Goofy, Snow White, and The Three Caballeros. But, perhaps I should let the pieces speak for themselves. For those of you interested in obtaining more information about the auction, the Swann Auction Galleries has all the information, including an online catalogue, at The James B. Parks Collection of Fine Prints.

Lot 182: Snow White and Bashful, Walt Disney Studios. Original production cel, the cut-out figures on a watercolor background, circa 1937.
Lot 183: Walt Disney’s Three Caballeros, Walt Disney Studios. Color crayon and oil stick poster maquette on smooth, cream wove paper, circa 1944. (“Three Caballeros” was the seventh animated feature in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series.)
Lot 184: Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney Studios. Original production cel, late 1950s/early 1960s.
Lot 185: Two concept drawings: Mickey with Coins and Goofy Spitting Coins, Walt Disney Studios. Both pencil and yellow crayon on cream wove paper, 1940s/1950s.