Inspiring Walt Disney: Snow White Vultures Tote from The Met Museum

Our tote showcases The Vultures (ca. 1937), a cel from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) in The Met collection. This gouache on celluloid depicts two keen-eyed vultures watching as the evil Queen falls from a cliff. The Museum acquired this piece of film history from Walt Disney himself in 1938, as the animator and his Studios were lauded for their unparalleled creativity and innovation. This item was created in celebration of Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts. Presented alongside the 30th anniversary of the animated theatrical release of Beauty and the Beast (1991), the exhibition examines Walt Disney’s personal fascination with European decorative arts and design, and draws new parallels between Walt Disney Animation Studios’ enchanting creations and their artistic models, including Gothic Revival architecture, medieval design, and Rococo-inspired objects.