Purchasing this artwork only transfers ownership of the physical artwork. The right to reproduce the image, the right of copyright and intellectual property remain with the artist.
MAD-EYE MOODY
Preliminary Study for Chapter 13, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (1999)
Mary GrandPré (American, b. 1954)
Pencil on parchment tracing paper
Signed lower right: Mary GrandPré
16 cm x 14 cm
£7,500 (excl. VAT)
This original preliminary pencil sketch was created by Mary GrandPré in 1999 as she prepared the chapter title artwork for Chapter 13 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, titled Mad-Eye Moody. The finished illustration appears as the official chapter heading in the published book.
Chapter 13 marks Harry’s first close-up encounter with the enigmatic and formidable Mad-Eye Moody. Following a tense exchange with Draco Malfoy, Harry turns away, only to hear a loud bang as Moody limps down the marble staircase and transforms Malfoy into a ferret. This sketch represents Mary GrandPré’s initial interpretation of Moody’s character, shaped from J.K. Rowling’s vivid descriptions and setting the tone for one of the series’ most memorable figures.
The scene also captures the awe and admiration of Fred, George, and Lee Jordan, who later describe Moody as “beyond cool” and “supercool.” However, the story unfolds to reveal a darker truth—that Moody is an impostor, secretly working for Lord Voldemort while disguised by Polyjuice Potion, using his position to manipulate Harry’s path into the Triwizard Tournament.
Condition & Provenance
The artwork remains in excellent condition with minor wear and subtle wrinkles typical of the artist’s working process. It has been professionally conserved and mounted on museum-quality board with protective mats and covers.
Catalogue Reference: Houston & GrandPré C(4)