Art has an extraordinary ability to transcend time and space, transporting viewers into mesmerising worlds of imagination and wonder. In this blog, we embark on a magical journey through the works of the De Morgans, to celebrate Harry Potter’s Birthday on 31st July.
Artworks by William and Evelyn De Morgan not only bewitch enthusiasts with their exquisite beauty but also share intriguing imagery and iconography that resonate with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Since magic has enchanted creatives for generations and is deeply rooted in mythology and history, it is unsurprising that JK Rowling shared some of the same inspiration as the De Morgans had done a century earlier.
‘The Love Potion’ by Evelyn De Morgan
Evelyn De Morgan, a prominent female painter of the late 19th and early 20th century, was known for her fascination with themes such as love, mythology, and mysticism. ‘The Love Potion,’ a masterpiece created in 1903, portrays a bewitching scene of a woman holding a phial whilst a loving couple embrace beyond her castle. It could be a scene straight from Hogwarts! The atmosphere is steeped in a magical aura, with medieval tapestries, vibrant colours and a shelf of books on magical history from the likes of Paracelcus which would even make Hermione Granger jealous.
The connection to the magical world of Harry Potter becomes apparent in the concept of love potions. In J.K. Rowling’s beloved series, love potions are magical concoctions that can manipulate feelings, a theme mirrored in De Morgan’s artwork. The romantic allure and the underlying sense of mysticism in ‘The Love Potion’ echo the enchantments and emotions prevalent in the wizarding world, particularly in the Half-Blood Prince, when Romilda Vane sends Harry potion-spiked Chocolate Cauldrons, after dozens of girls are itching to go with Harry to Professor Slughorn’s party. He leaves them idle for a while, and poor Ron Weasley eats them and ‘falls’ for Romilda.
‘Dragon Tile’ by William De Morgan
William De Morgan, a skilled potter, and designer was celebrated for his exquisite ceramic works. His ‘Dragon Tile’ and ‘Centaur Plate’ showcase intricate designs and vibrant glazes, with mythological creatures taking centre stage. The ‘Dragon Tile’ features a fierce dragon in a majestic pose, while the ‘Centaur Plate’ showcases a centaur figure gracefully poised amidst a backdrop of dense foliage, as though he is deep in the Forbidden Forest.
‘Centaur Plate’ by William De Morgan
The connection to Harry Potter lies in the mythical creatures portrayed. In Rowling’s universe, dragons are fascinating creatures of power and awe, often featured in the Triwizard Tournament. Similarly, centaurs in the wizarding world are renowned for their wisdom and enigmatic nature, drawing a parallel to the centaur figure depicted in De Morgan’s ‘Centaur Plate.’
‘The Sea Maids’ by Evelyn De Morgan
‘The Sea Maids,’ another enchanting work by Evelyn De Morgan, is a portrayal of five ethereal mermaids gliding gracefully through the depths of the ocean. The painting captures a sense of serenity and enchantment, with the mermaids’ mesmerising beauty captivating all who lay eyes on them.
The imagery of mermaids aligns effortlessly with the magical world of Harry Potter. Rowling’s universe features the merfolk residing in the Black Lake at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, adding a mystical dimension to the lake’s surroundings.
The captivating imagery and iconography in the De Morgans’ art resonate deeply with the enchanting universe of Harry Potter, reinforcing the notion that art transcends time and space, linking different eras and worlds. Today, it is hard to imagine magic without thinking of the boy who slept under the stairs in the beloved book series and film franchise. Viewing the De Morgan artworks as an illustration of this world shows how the De Morgan’s artworks continue to weave an enduring spell on the hearts of those who explore their magic and have an enduring relevance today.
