Pinocchio

WALT DISNEY STUDIO
Pinocchio (1940) 
original production animation model sheet
lithography on paper, dimensions: 12.5" x 15.5"

Since the early 1930s the Disney Studio has produced model sheets of its animated characters and/or atmosphere and concept art for circulation among artists and animators working in production of an animated film. Before the 1970s they were reproduced by a photostatic or printing process. They were made when a character or setting was in development and to help animators maintain a consistent look to the character throughout the film.

This rare printed model sheet titled "Revised Sheet - Temporary Models - The Blue Fairy / Pinocchio F-3" was made at the Disney Studio during production of Pinocchio, and it was issued to studio artists for use in the development of this character. The drawings reproduced in this model sheet are the work of Gustav Tenggren, the inspirational artist who profoundly influenced the look of Pinocchio. He worked primarily on the backgrounds and settings, yet his work extended to the styling of characters as well. His signature is reproduced in the model sheet at lower right. Interestingly, comparative size drawings at top center show Tenggren's version alongside the rotoscoped version based on the live-action film of Marge Champion in the role of the Blue Fairy.