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Pocahontas by Mickey Jordan

Artist: Mickey Jordan (All)

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Artwork Details

Title:	Pocahontas by Mickey Jordan
Artist:	Mickey Jordan (All)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Illustration
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	584
Likes on CAF:	5 6
Comments:	13
Added to Site:	6/27/2022
Comic Art Archive:

Description

I wasn’t sure what to expect when Pocahontas was announced as the next Disney animated feature. On the one hand, she seemed like an ideal candidate to be the next Disney princess. On the other hand, it’s probably a bit trickier to turn historical figures and stories into something kid friendly (as opposed to adopting, say, a classic fairy tale). It’s one thing for someone like Miranda to pull off something like Hamilton. But with a Disney film, you need the requisite singing and dancing animals, or fun, goofy, supporting characters. It seemed like no small task to insert these elements into her story. I mean, I just couldn’t imagine either Pocahontas or John Smith with a goofy sidekick. LOL! At least the cute animal requirements were filled nicely by Meeko the raccoon, Flit the hummingbird, and Percy the Pug. They didn’t talk or sing (thank goodness), but their physical comedy made for good fun. For the most part, I enjoyed the music. Especially as it heralded the return of my favorite Disney composer, Alan Menken. Albeit, without the great Howard Ashman (who had passed before the duo could complete their work on Aladdin).

I thought the animation was excellent. Lush and vibrant, yet at the same time, possessing an earthy quality that lends itself to the story and befits both the period and setting. My understanding is that the initial concept for the film was for it to be more comedic and joke-filled. But then studio chief Jeffrey Katzenberg handed down the edict that it would follow in the “poignant romance” footsteps of Beauty and the Beast (in hopes of capturing the same success and critical acclaim as that film). In fact, Katzenberg was so adamant, that he predicted Pocahontas would be a huge success, while Lion King (which had yet to be released), would be far less successful. Of course we all know what happened with Lion King. In contrast, not only did Pocahontas fail to match Lion King’s success, it was never even considered by anyone to be in the same league as Beauty and the Beast (the film it was modeled after). Anyway, historical inaccuracies aside, I enjoyed Pocahontas well enough. Although I would probably put it in the second half of my modern classic favorites list.

This piece is by Disney studio artist Mickey Jordan. I have no idea what this was done for, but I imagine it could have been used on any number of things (and maybe even more than once). Visually, I love the scene (even though that weird look on John Smith’s face is a bit disturbing, LOL). And in terms of characters, it has the ones who I would be most interested in seeing on a Pocahontas drawing. I suppose a scene with the villain would have been fun, but I think this scene (and this particular set of characters) really fit the nature and tone of the Pocahontas legend. I just thought it was a wonderful drawing with good, strong, lines that were nice and clean. And of course, it’s nice to be able to check off the Pocahontas box for my Disney gallery room.

Anyway, this is another Disney treat from Mr. Anthony Snyder. My thanks to the entire gang over there for yet another super smooth, super quick, and super easy transaction. I have to be honest, I didn’t pick up a lot from Anthony in the early days. But apparently, I’m making up for it now, since I’ve been buying a ton of stuff from his website this past year. it’s a great place to find quality pieces that won’t empty your bank account.

Now if you’ll excuse me. Mom turned 86 today, so we’re gonna see about trying to make it a special day for her.

Thanks for stopping by!

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About the Owner

	E DLS ( 3 ) Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	March 2005
Last Login:	January 2026
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Premium Member Q&A E's Classifieds E's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF Read More About EDLS

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Comments on this Artwork

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M L
Member Since 2015

Posted on 6/27/2022

Happy birthday Mama DLS!

Bring on the Mouse Parade!

Ian Saint
Member Since 2021

Posted on 6/27/2022

Just around the River Bend!!! Nice addition to the disney pieces.

Rick W
Member Since 2017

1 - Posted on 6/27/2022

Happy Birthday to your mom! I think you need to take her on a canoe ride in the park ;)

E DLS
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 6/27/2022

Rick W wrote:

Happy Birthday to your mom! I think you need to take her on a canoe ride in the park ;)

Ha! Well, I'm in my sixties. So unless the canoe comes with an outboard motor or someone to do the paddeling, I think she will have to settle for a family get together and a nice meal. Maybe a few surprise gifts sprinkled in throughout the day. Thanks for the comment and the birthday wishes.

Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005

Posted on 6/27/2022

Happy Birthday moms! Age is but a number. After all, John Smith was 28 and Pocahontas was 12.

E DLS
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 6/27/2022

Marcus Wai wrote:

Happy Birthday moms! Age is but a number. After all, John Smith was 28 and Pocahontas was 12.

Yup! The math was certainly a problem for Disney in trying to make this romance work. Of course, since they had already abandoned any attempt at historical accuracy, they had just as little reservation about making the character more age appropriate. If anything, they probably went a little overboard in that regard, as some of the shots in the film almost bordered on seductive. Just one of the many, many, reasons it was hard to take this film seriousy. Anyway, will pass along your birthday wishes to Mom.

Paul P Spiderversity
Member Since 2011

Posted on 6/27/2022

Happy birthday to your mom! My mom is also 86 years old, and I am so grateful I have had so many wonderful years with her. And one of my favorite piano pieces that I am playing these days is a Classical arrangement of 'Colors Of The Wind.' Anyway, this is another lovely Disney piece of art.

Jason Hussa
Member Since 2017

Posted on 6/28/2022

Happy (late! sorry!) birthday to your mom, Eric! Another one I haven't seen and need to add to the list, apparently. Really looking forward to your Disney posts each week - thanks for adding these! :)

E DLS
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 6/28/2022

Jason Hussa wrote:

Thanks buddy! Glad you're enjoying this Disney post run. There are some real doozies coming up, so definitely stay tuned.

Bill J
Member Since 2009

Posted on 6/28/2022

Absolutely gorgeous Pocahontas illustration! Love the classic composition of this, with the tree branch subtlely framing the scene. The characters are beautifully delineated and the linework is superb! Love the Meeko the Racoon character asleep in Poncahontas' lap! Great pick-up!

kent mansley
Member Since 2015

Posted on 6/29/2022

Happy birthday to your Mom! And congrats on the new piece!

Fabio C.
Member Since 2005

Posted on 6/30/2022

another nice one!

Michael McIsaac
Member Since 2020

Posted on 7/3/2022

A lovely piece, and I hope that your mother had an enjoyable birthday!

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