Bugs Bunny, Road Runner, Daffy Duck, Wile E. Coyote original Chuck Jones Animation Art at Heritage 2/21 at Fletcher-Sinclair Mansion features classic drawings of Bugs, Daffy, Road Runner, Sylvester, Pepe LePew, Marvin Martian and ‘What’s Opera, Doc’ among original vintage Chuck Jones animation
foibles in the cartoon, but also showcases the artist’s deep talent, seamlessly blending color, line and subject into a charming and transcendent painting. It is estimated at $20,000+.
Of all the classic cartoons that Jones directed, it’s hard to imagine a more significant short than 1957’s “What’s Opera Doc,” voted the number one cartoon of all-time in Jerry Beck’s 1994 book “The 50 Greatest Cartoons.” The classic is represented in the auction by an exceedingly rare original production layout drawing of Elmer Fudd, in full Viking regalia, estimated at $5,000+.
The legions of Bugs Bunny fans will find a tremendous amount to celebrate in the grouping, with numerous drawings and animation cels representing the famous rabbit, one of the most popular of which is sure to be an original hand-painted gag cel drawn by Jones showing Daffy Duck as a magician pulling Bugs out of his hat. The drawing, which is expected to bring $4,000+, will be featured in the upcoming 2013 book “Chuck Jones: Drawing on Character – 100 Classic Drawings by an American Icon.”
Further highlights include, but are certainly not limited to:
1961 “Lickety Splat” Original layout drawing of Wile E Coyote drawn by Chuck Jones: Original Chuck Jones Production Drawing. Estimate: $5,000+.
1960 “Ready Woolen and Able” five original layout drawings in sequence of a classic Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner gag sequence: Drawn by Chuck Jones. Estimate: $6,000+.
1953 “Duck Dodgers in the 24-½ Century” background layout/concept art for the first appearance of Daffy Duck as Duck Dodgers and the first named appearance of Marvin Martian: Duck Dodgers was a take-off on Buck Rodgers and it introduced the world to Marvin Martian, one of Jones’ most popular and enduring characters. The artwork may be from the hand of Maurice Noble, who did the layouts for the film. A special piece of Looney Tunes history, estimated at $3,500+.
Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote hand painted studio publicity cel set up, on studio hand painted background, of two of Chuck Jones most famous characters: Hand-signed by Jones and one of the nicest Road Runner and Coyote set ups Heritage experts have seen. Estimate: $2,500+.
1995 Michigan J. Frog Set Up: In 1995, Jones directed the follow up to his legendary short “One Froggy Evening, called “Another Froggy Evening.” This specially prepared cel and background toured with a major exhibit that traveled the U.S. to showcase artwork form the cartoon. This is a one-of-a-kind hand painted “EXHIBIT ONLY” cel and one of the best Michigan J. Frog set ups ever. Estimate: $3,500+.
1966 “Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas” hand-painted production cel from the classic Chuck Jones holiday classic. Estimate: $3,500+.
Jones’ grandson, Craig Kausen, is available for interviews to talk about his grandfather; contact Noah Fleisher at NoahF@HA.com to arrange a time
