Heritage's Art of Disney Auction Hits $3.4M, Led by Tenggren's Snow White Art

Heritage Auctions' three-day Art of Disney Signature Auction, held from August 21-23, achieved $3.43 million in sales, with a 100% sell-through rate across 1,346 lots and participation from 3,531 bidders worldwide. The auction showcased Disney artistry from the studio's Golden Age through the Disney Renaissance and into the 2000s, reflecting global affection for Disney and growing appreciation for animation art as a significant art form, according to Jim Lentz, Heritage's Vice President of Animation and Anime Art. The top results were claimed by Gustaf Tenggren's concept paintings for Walt Disney's 1937 feature Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, with his atmospheric painting of Snow White listening to the Prince sing "One Song" leading the auction at $85,400. A panoramic concept painting depicting a scene from the film also fetched a high price, though the exact amount was not provided in the source. The auction's success underscores the enduring market for animation art and the cultural significance of Disney's early works.