Berthold Bartosch and "The Idea" (1932)

The Idea (French: L'Idée) is a 1932 animated film by Hungarian filmmaker Berthold Bartosch (1893–1968), based on the 1920 wordless novel of the same name by Flemish woodcut artist Frans Masereel (1889–1972). The film stars a naked woman, representing a thinker's idea; as she goes out into the world, the frightened authorities unsuccessfully try to cover up her nudity. A man who stands up for her is executed, and a workers' revolution she inspires is violently suppressed by big business.

Bartosch spent two years animating the film, initially in collaboration with Masereel. Bartosch used complicated techniques with multiple layers of superimposed animation to create the intricately detailed film. It featured an electronic score by composer Arthur Honegger (1892–1955)

Check out this film. The animation effects are hard to believe! Bartosch utilized india ink diluted with water, soap, and other exotic materials to acheive the ethereal animation. He shot the film thru a series of plate glass layers somewhat akin to Disney's later multi-plane camera.

Link didn't work for me - here is another.