Disneyland HERB RYMAN 1951 Signed Lithograph RARE Disney Imagineer Herbert

Description

This stunning lithograph is rendered by Disney Legend Herb Ryman, one of the most celebrated Disneyland artists and imagineers of all time. Herb Ryman’s original rendition of Disneyland really helped sell Walt's vision to investors... and the rest, as they say, is history.
This lithograph is a very early and very rare example of Ryman's artistry and craftsmanship. As one of Walt’s original hand-picked artists, Ryman designed many of Disneyland's most iconic visuals, and his concept art set the standard for Disney Imagineering from its beginning.
This beautiful signed and numbered lithograph depicts Felix Adler, legendary Ringing Bros Barnum & Bailey performer known as the "King Of Clowns." He was one of the first clowns to appear on television, and also appeared in the Cecil B. DeMille film, "The Greatest Show On Earth." This stunning vintage piece, dated 1951, is titled "Felix the King."
The print is hand signed and numbered by Ryman and hand dated '51. This print is hand numbered 85/150.
The print is in a beautiful custom frame and matte, which both appear to be original from the era. The frame itself is in excellent vintage condition. The paper backing still has the custom framers label attached.
Altogether, the frame and matte are in wonderful vintage condition and is ready to hang.
The frame measures 19 by 23 inches. The matte opening (the visible part of the print) measures 13.25 by 17.25 inches.
Herb Ryman moved to California during Hollywood's "golden age", he quickly became the sole artist and illustrator for MGM Studios. He helped design David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities, Mutiny on the Bounty, and Anna Karenina. His work on The Good Earth  inspired him to leave his job at MGM and tour China where he made many sketches. His last work at MGM was the Emerald City segment of
The Wizard of Oz
.
In 1938 he returned to California and met
Walt Disney
who was so impressed he invited Herb to join the Walt Disney Studios. Herb went on to serve as an art director
Fantasia
and
Dumbo
.
[6]
In 1941, Ryman toured with Walt Disney and other Disney Studio artists on a "Good Will Tour of South America." Production of the two Disney classics Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros, resulted from this trip.
During the summers of 1949 and 1951, Ryman took a leave of absence and travelled with the Ringling Brothers Circus. Living among the performers and documenting the circus in his paintings, he became friends with
Emmett Kelly
.
On September 26, 1953, Ryman received an urgent request to meet with Disney. Disney asked Ryman to render the artwork for a Disney envisioned theme park. Disney and Ryman worked non-stop throughout the weekend creating a large pencil sketch and several other drawings illustrating the project.
Roy Disney
took the drawings and a six page portfolio to New York to show investors the plan in order to secure financing used to develop
Disneyland
. Once financing was assured, Disney asked Ryman to rejoin the Disney Company. Disneyland became the centerpiece of his Disney career. Among his contributions were designs for Main Street, U.S.A.,
Sleeping Beauty Castle
and
New Orleans Square
. Herb also contributed concepts for the
Jungle Cruise
,
Pirates of the Caribbean
, and for attractions featured at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, including
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
.