Don Oriolo Signed "Felix the Cat" 27" x 33" Original Painting on Paper (PA LOA & PCV COA)

A bold and artistic full figure image of Felix the Cat on black paper painted and signed by artist Don Oriolo. Felix the Cat is a funny-animal cartoon character created in the silent film era. The anthropomorphic black cat with his black body, white eyes, and giant grin, coupled with the surrealism of the situations in which his cartoons place him, combine to make Felix one of the most recognized cartoon characters in film history. Felix was the first character from animation to attain a level of popularity sufficient to draw movie audiences. Aside from the animated shorts, Felix starred in a comic strip (drawn by Sullivan, Messmer and later Joe Oriolo) beginning in 1923, and his image soon adorned merchandise such as ceramics, toys and postcards. Several manufacturers made stuffed Felix toys. Felix cartoons began airing on American TV in 1953. Animator Joe Oriolo introduced a redesigned, "long-legged" Felix, added new characters, and gave Felix a "Magic Bag of Tricks" that could assume an infinite variety of shapes at Felix's behest. The cat has since starred in other television programs and in two feature films. As of the 2010s, Felix is featured on a variety of merchandise from clothing to toys. Joe's son Don later assumed creative control of Felix. Don Oriolo is widely known as "The Felix the Cat Guy." When his father Joe Oriolo, co-creator of the modern day Felix, died in 1985, Don took over as CEO of the iconic cartoon franchise. In 2002, TV Guide ranked Felix the Cat number 28 on its "50 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time" list.

©Feilx the Cat Productions SRP $2,500

The piece includes an official Pop Culture Vault COA as well as an LOA and lifetime authenticity guarantee from Pristine Auction.

Authentication: Pristine Auction LOA & Pop Culture Vault COA

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.