"Bright, Young Women..."

While I was still dealing with the PayPal claim from my previous purchase (late 2018), this cel popped up on eBay.

It was absolutely what I was after for my collection, a real have-to-have piece! Here, Ariel is expressing her need to be independent as a young adult, as well as to express herself as a woman and an individual. Say what you like about the film otherwise, I think this message is both feminist and still quite relevant today. And here she breaks the fourth wall, almost as if to to implore the audience to see how she struggles with her identity.

Even though Ariel holds this pose for a solid two seconds, most of the frames have her with her mouth open and her eyes opened to varying widths that gave her face the look of a split expression. In this precise frame, she has stared to blink, softening her facial expression to look more natural. Only this, and the frame immediately afterwards, have this quality. Any earlier, and her left eye is too wide and glary; any later, and the eyes are all but closed.

This cel was perfect! Even though the very next cel was sold at Sotheby's with the original background, I do actually prefer this frame. Her expression is more alert and challenging in this piece, while in the next frame she looks a little more tired.

The seller was asking USD $5000, but I successfully offered them USD $3500. It comes in Disney Store framing, with a seal on the cel (always!), and a COA attached to the back for the frame.

In late 2022, the next cel, with the original background, sold at Clark's Fine Art & Auctioneers for USD $3175. Less than what I paid for mine, which gave me cause to wonder if I had overpaid. But a few months later, it reappeared on Animation Sensations' website with an undisclosed price, and promptly sold! I'm guessing the sale price would be at least double the auction result, especially with the original background, so I remain secure in my own purchase.

A recent revelation about the way some of my pieces have been framed (not just the one from the ARA) has left me with the feeling I'll need to have this piece's framing examined, Disney Store be damned! If there is a problem, it's probably just with the backing. I'm sure the frame and glass will be fine. Although, I did read recently that UV plexiglass protection may fade eventually. I'll have to ask my framer.

This piece cost $US3500. Photographic background. Disney Store frame. The authentication seal is in the bottom-right corner.