The artwork, titled “Dr. Charles Hawkins – Inventor, Research Specialist,” was created by the artist Charles Alston in 1943. It belongs to the Social Realism movement and is categorized as a poster.
In the artwork, a detailed, front-facing portrait of Dr. Charles Hawkins dominates the right side, showcasing his serious demeanor and expression. The left side features several vignettes illustrating his contributions and expertise. At the top left, there is a depiction of Dr. Hawkins inventing the ‘dimometer,’ a device designed to protect pedestrians during blackouts. Below this, another scene represents his view on accidents, emphasizing that most accidents are due to carelessness or failure to recognize danger, highlighted by a man and a woman walking near a danger sign. At the bottom right, a scene shows Dr. Hawkins educating individuals in fire prevention, with text stating his expertise in safety education and the widespread use of his book on fire prevention education. The poster is rendered in a monochromatic palette, primarily utilizing shades of gray, and signed by Charles Alston at the bottom left.
