Mashable: It was in the debut edition of J.K. Rowling's 1997 novel.

The original watercolor illustration for the cover of "Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone" has shattered records, becoming the most expensive piece of Potter-related memorabilia ever sold at auction. Sotheby's New York sold the iconic artwork for a staggering $1.9 million, far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of $400,000 to $600,000.

The illustration, which graced the debut edition of J.K. Rowling's 1997 novel, sparked an intense four-way bidding war that lasted nearly 10 minutes. This fierce competition drove the final price to almost four times the expected amount, underscoring the enduring appeal and value of Harry Potter memorabilia.

Artist Thomas Taylor created the now-famous image, which depicts a young Harry Potter standing on Platform 9¾, about to embark on his first journey aboard the Hogwarts Express. Remarkably, Taylor completed the painting in just two days using concentrated watercolors on cold-pressed paper with black pencil detailing. At the time, he was paid a modest $650 for his work.

The sale of Taylor's illustration significantly surpasses the previous record set by a first edition copy of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," which sold for $421,000 at Heritage Auctions in Dallas in 2021. Sotheby's had noted that this item carried "the highest pre-sale estimate ever placed on an item of any Harry Potter-related work."

This record-breaking sale highlights the continued cultural impact and financial value of the Harry Potter franchise, more than two decades after the release of the first book. It also demonstrates the growing market for literary and pop culture memorabilia, particularly items associated with beloved global phenomena like the Harry Potter series.

As the wizarding world continues to captivate audiences worldwide, this sale sets a new benchmark for Potter-related collectibles and cements the illustration's place in both literary and art auction history.