The red letter
ca. 1896
This striking poster by Elisha Brown Bird, created around 1896, uses a bold palette of red, black, and white to create a scene of intense drama. The massive title 'THE RED LETTER' looms over three women dressed in what looks like Puritan attire, strongly evoking the themes of Nathaniel Hawthorne's famous novel, The Scarlet Letter. A central figure in a vibrant red dress and cap looks down contemplatively, while behind her, another woman points an accusing finger and a third reads a letter, suggesting a narrative of scandal and judgment. The stylized white flowers hanging against the black background give the piece a distinct Art Nouveau flavor, and the fine print at the bottom reveals it was lithographed by the Forbes Co. in Boston.
- Technique
- Lithograph