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Lot description
Work on Paper USA, circa, 1990’s Otto Messmer(1892-1983)—American animator Signed by Otto Messmer Dimensions: 12 ½ x 11 ¾ in. (31.8 x 29.8 cm.) Very good condition Estimate: $1,800 A remarkable original signed drawing by the creator of Felix, Otto Messmer. Rendered in large-scale with exceptional clarity and freshness. Felix is regarded as the first cartoon star, and both his design and his unique character were highly influential. With regard to design, the ease of animating his simple black-and-white form was not lost on animators in other studios; most subsequent cartoon characters exhibit this simplicity. But his wholly original and complex personality was what audiences loved: he was joyous, shrewd, mischievous, and prone to his trademark behavior of walking around in circles when perplexed. Felix’s popularity during the 1920s led to his being the first such character merchandised via popular products such as stuffed dolls, key chains, and comic books. Otto Messmer (American, 1892-1983) Otto Mesmer - American animator who created the character Felix the Cat, the world’s most popular cartoon star before Mickey Mouse. As a youth, Mesmer was fascinated with drawing and the cinema. He learned the craft of animation from Hay Mayer, with whom he produced advertising films in 1914. His talents were noted by Pat Sullivan, who hired Mesmer in 1915 for his new animation studio in New York City. Mesmer created the character of Felix the Cat for a Paramount Pictures newsreel. The character was an international sensation, and the Sullivan studio continued to produce Felix cartoons until 1931. Condition The work is in very good condition. Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.