“Dawn” is a poster created by the distinguished artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1896. The artwork stands as a testament to the Art Nouveau movement, capturing the spirit of modernism that prevailed at the time. Measuring 61 by 80 centimeters, this poster was crafted to captivate and intrigue the viewer with its dynamic composition and theme.
The artwork illustrates an early morning scene, where the activities in the faint light of dawn are depicted with a sense of immediacy. The central focus is on a horse-drawn carriage, bustling in the early hours. A figure appears to be handling the horse, ensuring its readiness, while another figure delves into the carriage. In the background, another character is discernible, seemingly in a motion that hints at the daily hustle of life at this hour.
The composition is energized by the use of sharp, angular lines that converge at the lamppost, serving as a source of light that pierces the dim atmosphere, creating stark contrasts that play on the theme of night transitioning to day. The chosen palette and sketch-like quality provide a raw and intimate glimpse into the period’s city life, suggesting movement and the briskness of the waking day.
Toulouse-Lautrec’s artistic prowess is evident in the economy of the stroke and the manner in which he conveys the narrative through visual cues, such as the streetlamp’s illumination and the weary posture of the figures. The poster also features text, which is integrated into the composition, indicating that it may have served as an advertisement or a cover for the illustrated magazine “L’Aube” as mentioned on it. Notably, the text complements rather than competes with the visual elements, which is characteristic of Art Nouveau poster design. The inclusion of the address “26 quai d’Orléans” locates the scene, adding a layer of specificity to the artwork.
