The original watercolor illustration of a young wizard boarding the Hogwarts Express was artist Thomas Taylor's first professional commission

Sotheby's June 26 auction of Thomas Taylor's watercolor illustration for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is estimated to sell for $400,000-$600,000.

Interestingly, Taylor reportedly completed the original cover art within two days while working at a bookstore. His colleagues would proudly tell customers that their local bookseller was also responsible for the cover art of this best-selling novel.

The watercolor for the cover of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” the first book in the series, is headed to the auction block at Sotheby’s along with other notable literary items this summe

The novel in question was Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first wizarding world book from then-unknown author J.K. Rowling. Taylor’s cover, which shows a young Harry Potter boarding the Hogwarts Express,

J.K. Rowling's novel "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" was the beginning of what would become a worldwide phenomenon. Now, the original illustration for the first edition of the book is going on sale.

Taylor’s piece is integral as the visual linchpin for the boy wizard who has enchanted millions globally,” expressed Richard Austin, Sotheby’s Head of Global Books and Ma