top of page
Writer's pictureYulia

Art in Harry Potter films

Updated: May 11, 2023

Art is everywhere in Harry Potter movies - in posters, paintings, sculptures and every minute detail. Arguably, bringing to life such a unique world is art in itself. Many articles are dedicated to the props, sets and creatures of Harry Potter world, but art included in the films is rarely discussed on its own. A visit to 'The Making of Harry Potter' at Warner Bros studios at Leavesden reveals a real extent of art produced or purchased solely for the films and sometimes not even used in the end result.


Harry Potter paintings, Henry VII
Stairs gallery

In one of the first rooms the visitor is confronted with the sheer volume of paintings created for the films. The directors wanted to use as many real details as possible, especially at first, when the visual effects were not as advanced. As result, hundreds dozens of portraits were created to fill in the walls. Some are more traditional and feature famous monarchs and figures, for instance there are portraits of Henry VII and Mary I resembling the famous museum versions.


Stuart Craig, Harry Potter Crew, Harry Potter film

Barry Wilkinson, Harry Potter Crew
Prop Master Barry Wilkinson

Some are much more playful and represent the members of the cast in historical dress. The main set and production designer for all films Stuart Craig has a portrait of his magical counterpart hanging in the Hogwarts Hallway. Prop Master Barry Wilkinson is another figure featured with rather whimsical shoes. Some cast members were painted with their children creating a family portraits worthy of Tudor England.


Henry VII, National Portrait Gallery
King Henry VII. National Portrait Gallery, London

Perhaps the most famous paintings from the films are the portraits of Hogwarts headmasters. The paintings were often featured in films and thus were created with the greatest care. They are not only technically rendered but also beautifully communicate the character of each headmaster as a magical portrait is meant to do.


Albus Dumbledore
Portrait of headmaster Albus Dumbledore

All works are presented together with no mention of individual artist perhaps to highlight the unity of Harry Potter crew, but it would have been interested to study the other works created by the team.


Whilst the portraits in the films serve a background role and offered an opportunity for playfulness for the crew, there are other objects that directly influenced the mood of the viewer and were employed to project the change in the magical world. One such object is the sculpture Magic is Might. The sculpture is so well-rendered that it can easily be confused with marble though in reality it was made of foam and was hand-painted.


Harry Potter sculpture
Magic is Might sculpture

The sculpture features Muggles (non-magical people) being crushed by the heavy marble representing the divide in the magic world and the power of wizards against everyone else. The prop clearly communicates the sense of inferior status attributed to those people. Interestingly, the books paint a much harsher image of the sculpture with wizards sitting on the throne directly crushing naked and ugly figures below them. Perhaps, the movie team decided that such image would either be not age appropriate for the audience or would be too visually harsh.

concept art harry potter
Concept art for Magic is Might

Magic is Might design is particularly interesting as it is clearly inspired by the sculptures from the Soviet Union. There is even a concept art version of the sculpture which is directly derived from Worker and Kolkhoz Woman - a Soviet realism statue inspired by Art Deco and exhibited at 1937 Paris Art fair. The clear-cut lines of Magic is Might remind us of those typically used by Art Deco sculptors from across the world visible in sculptures around London.


worker and kolkhoz woman
Worker and Kolkhoz Woman

However, the sculptor of Magic is Might goes one step further than the social realist work as instead of glorifying the power of one nation (or in this case wizards) it opts for oppression. The sculpture was later modified for the final movie and the giant statues of wizards were added to further solidify their position.


Harry Potter, Deathly Hallows Ministry of Magic
Ministry of Magic in the Deathly Hallows Part 1

Harry Potter movies are perhaps an unusual topic for an art history discussion, but they allow us to see how art movements and elements are used and transformed in popular culture. They serve as a way to introduce new audiences to Art Deco and even Tudor portraiture and make the art of the past relevant for all even centuries after.

___________________________________________________________________________________________


ART STORIE is a digital platform for the exploration of history of art and the stories it uncovers. Founded by Yulia and Elizabeth, two passionate art professionals, ART STORIE brings together a rich cultural heritage from all around the world.


From art lovers, historians and art critics to artists, gallerists and educators from around the world, ART STORIE is your ultimate destination for discovering the stories behind your favourite works. Discover our diverse range of art history courses here.

41 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments