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Propstore Auctions UNITED STATES
Member Since October 2016
331 Artworks | Watched by 28
Artwork Details
Location: Propstore's Animation Art Live Auction - Summer 2026
Title: LITTLE MERMAID, THE (1989) Hand-painted Poor Unfortunate Souls' Original Production Cel*
Artist:  Unknown  (Penciller)
Media Type: Mixed Media
Art Type: Animation
For Sale Status: For Auction at Propstore.com
Views: 16
Likes on CAF: 0
Comments: 0
Added to Site: 6/26/2026

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Description

An exceptional hand-painted production cel of Ursula the Sea Witch, seen during her unforgettable performance of 'Poor Unfortunate Souls', one of the defining moments of The Little Mermaid and a benchmark in Disney villainy. This cel shows Ursula mid-gesture, relishing her power with a "poor unfortunate soul" in hand, captured at the height of her manipulative charm.

Created for Walt Disney's 1989 animated masterpiece, this cel was photographed and used in the final production of The Little Mermaid. It is presented on a high-quality photographic reproduction of the original background, and bears The Walt Disney Company seal of authenticity.

Ursula was designed by Rubens-inspired animator Glen Keane, with her movement and attitude inspired in part by the drag performer Divine.

She represents one of the most complex and charismatic antagonists in Disney history; a fusion of theatrical energy, menace, and irresistible humour. "Poor Unfortunate Souls" became an instant classic, propelled by Pat Carroll's magnificent vocal performance and Keane's masterful animation that brought weight, wit, and sinuous motion to every frame.

The Little Mermaid marked the dawn of the Disney Renaissance, revitalising the studio's feature animation after two decades of decline. It won two Academy Awards® and remains one of the most acclaimed hand-drawn films ever produced. Original cels of Ursula from this signature sequence are among the most coveted of all Disney villain artwork, rarely surfacing outside studio archives.

A large, beautifully painted image with striking colour and character presence, this is a standout piece representing both the artistic excellence of late-20th-century Disney animation and the enduring allure of one of its greatest villains. Dimensions: 47 cm x 37.5 cm (18.5" x 14.75")



Estimate: £2,000 - £4,000 M

See Online Here: 179. 2118. Hand-painted �Poor Unfortunate Souls' Original Production Cel ### LITTLE MERMAID, THE (1989)

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Member Since: October 2016
Last Login: July 2026
Website: http://www.propstore.com
Country: UNITED STATES
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