HAGRID WITH HIS DRAGON MEAT STEAK

Preliminary Study for Chapter 20, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2002)
Mary GrandPré (American, b. 1954)
Pencil on parchment tracing paper
Signed lower right: Mary GrandPré
19 cm x 18 cm
£6,500 (excl. VAT)

Original preliminary pencil sketch on paper created by Mary GrandPré in 2002 as she prepared the title artwork for Chapter 20 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, titled Hagrid’s Tale. The image depicts a bruised and battered Hagrid nursing his injuries with a slab of raw dragon meat pressed to his face—his trademark resilience intact, if a little worse for wear.

When Hagrid returns to Hogwarts in midwinter after a long and mysterious absence, Harry, Ron, and Hermione rush to greet him at his hut. Dumbledore had sent Hagrid on a dangerous diplomatic mission to the mountains, tasked with reaching out to the giants in the hopes of recruiting them to the side of the Order before Voldemort could do the same. The journey proves perilous. Hagrid returns injured, exhausted, and partially successful in his quest—but deeply changed.

Mary GrandPré’s sketch captures the quiet gravity of Hagrid’s return: the toll of his mission physically evident, yet underscored by his characteristic stoicism. The massive slab of dragon meat, green-tinged and bloodied, becomes a surreal but fitting symbol of both the brutality and absurdity of his adventure.

Condition & Provenance
Excellent condition. Minor creasing and light surface wear consistent with the artist’s working process. Professionally preserved and archivally mounted on museum-quality board with protective matting. Original preliminary pencil drawing on parchment tracing paper. Signed and dated by the artist lower right.

Catalogue Reference: Houston & GrandPré D(5)