ORIGINAL HARRY POTTER ILLUSTRATION SELLS AT AUCTION FOR A RECORD $1.9M

Fri 28 June 2024:

An original watercolor illustration for the first edition of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone sold for a record $1.9 million at Sotheby’s auction house in New York, becoming the most valuable Harry Potter item ever sold.

The artwork for the first book in the series, created by Thomas Taylor, was initially expected to sell for up to $600,000, the highest pre-sale estimate for any Harry Potter-related item. However, it fetched more than three times that amount.

First auctioned in July 2001 at Sotheby’s London for £85,750, the cover art features the iconic image of Harry Potter in front of the Hogwarts Express train.

“This is really the first visualization of Harry and the wizarding world,” said Kalika Sands from Sotheby’s.

The intricate details and vibrant colors of Taylor’s illustration gave Rowling’s text a visual identity, evoking nostalgia among fans worldwide.

The Harry Potter series, published between 1997 and 2007, explores themes such as friendship, loyalty, courage, intelligence, love, perseverance, sacrifice, justice, and self-acceptance. The bonds between Harry, Hermione, and Ron exemplify true friendship and loyalty, while characters like Dumbledore embody intelligence and wisdom.

The series, along with its film adaptations starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, has captivated audiences globally with its magical universe and enduring life lessons.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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