"Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love.” —Albus Dumbledore
After painting a miniature portrait of The Potions Master, I felt like there was more to the story, and so proceeded to paint two more miniatures, including The Headmaster.
While painting this portrait, I was again questioning… who would have carried his portrait with them? Dumbledore was the main father figure who guided Harry without avoiding the cost of doing what was good and right. He in essence led Harry to his own death. There were times I felt so frustrated with Dumbledore for not being more up front with Harry… but as I’ve grown older, I see Dumbledore’s wisdom in allowing Harry to follow his own path, and discover for himself when he was mature enough to face it, what being the “Chosen One” really required of him.
It was plain to see when Dumbledore passed, that he was beloved by all the students at Hogwarts. Not only because he was a powerful wizard, deserving of awe and respect. But he had a spark that resonated with children… who doesn’t love a headmaster who cancels exams as a special treat?!
So while painting this portrait… it wasn’t difficult to imagine who would have carried this portrait in memory of a great Headmaster.
This antique photo box once contained a photo of another person, who had no family or friends left to keep this small memento of his life. Which is very similar to Dumbledore, who had no children of his own to carry on his memory. It’s hard to describe the melancholy I felt while painting this portrait and finally putting in the case... but I hope I’ve captured some of that in the painting.
…it is also a small token of my appreciation for Michael Gambon, who brought a magical sparkle to this character for many years 🤍
This daguerreotype photo box (c1850) was collected locally, and needed a little love. I replaced the glass with non-glare glass, so that it feels like there is nothing between you and the miniature painting. The velvet was carefully cleaned from dust, and the binding reinforced so that the photo box can be opened more freely. In the mid 1800s, photos were expensive and treasured items… often only one or two images captured of a person in their life (or death.) They were carried in pockets, stored in trunks travelling by carriage or ship. Displayed open on tabletop. But the sentiment of these photo boxes being that you owned one of someone you cared deeply for.
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I collected this antique daguerreotype photo (c1860) with the intention of replacing the miniature glass photo with a painted portrait. I was surprised at how it pulled on the heartstrings removing the old photo. These photos were created in a process using iodine-sensitized silvered plate, and mercury vapour. The little photo is incredible to look at, and feels like holding a piece of history in my hands. But like all old photos... without sentimental attachment, it loses its value. Tin type photos are easy to find online, and not many people are interested in photos of other people's family and relatives... often finding them creepy! I hope to find a home for this little glass photo, so will keep it safe till then.
I replaced the glass with non-glare glass, so that it feels like there is nothing between you and the miniature painting. The velvet was carefully cleaned from dust.
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"Headmaster"
4.5 x 6 cm acrylic on paper
6x3 x 7.5 x 2 cm in antique dagguerotype photo box (c1800s)
Glass dome display included :
High Borosilicate Glass Dome Size: 15.5 x 15 cm / 6.1 x 5.9 inch (H*Dia);
Wood Base Diameter: 17 cm / 6.7 inch;
Overall Height: 16 cm / 6.3 inch
