Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Published 1997), Front Cover Artwork by Thomas Taylor - The Only Work After ...

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Published 1997), Front Cover Artwork by Thomas Taylor - The Only Work After The 1997 Original Artwork by The Artist. Original artwork accomplished in pencil and watercolor on watercolor paper, 18.75" x 13.5". According to the artist, the present work is the only commissioned replica he ever produced of the original 1997 artwork. Painted in 2001, the artwork is titled, signed and dated by the artist to the lower border "Replica of the front cover art for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone / Thomas Taylor 2001". Selling more than 120 million copies since its first publication, the book was adapted into the 2001 blockbuster film of the same name, released in the US as "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". The reverse of the artwork is additionally inscribed by the artist in black ink "Commissioned by Dr Mike Wain. Painted by Thomas Taylor 2001. Replica of the cover art of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone".
The eponymous boy wizard is front and center, Harry's lightning-bolt scar emblazoned across his forehead as he approaches Platform 9 3/4 to begin his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His scarf, in the Gryffindor house colors, blows in the wind as the Hogwarts Express arrives at the station in a blaze of smoke and stars. This early moment in the book - with Taylor's artwork being its first and most recognizable depiction in visual media - has been immortalized at the real London King's Cross station with a permanent memorial where fans can flock for a photo opportunity.
The original artwork produced in 1997 originally sold at auction in 2001, and later sold at auction in 2024 for $1,920,000. Provenance: The present artwork was specially commissioned by the current owner in 2001, who approached the artist Thomas Taylor after missing out on the original at auction earlier that year. The completed commission is accompanied by a handwritten note from the artist stating "I consider this the only replica I shall ever paint", making this artwork an exceedingly rare opportunity to acquire artwork for the award winning novel which spawned one of the most successful literary and film franchises in modern history, by the original artist. The sheet with deckled edges and original reference lines to the corners extant. The book image is for reference only and is not included with this lot. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.