The artwork, entitled “Dr. Charles Richard Drew – Professor of Surgery,” was created by artist Charles Alston in 1943. This piece belongs to the Social Realism art movement and is classified as a poster. It portrays Dr. Charles Richard Drew, a distinguished professor of surgery and significant figure in the development of blood transfusion techniques.
In the artwork, various aspects of Dr. Drew’s life and career are depicted through detailed illustrations and accompanying text. The central figure is a portrait of Dr. Drew. Surrounding the portrait are multiple vignettes highlighting key events and accomplishments in his life. These include his contributions to blood plasma preservation, his role as a medical director and his athletic prowess during his collegiate years. The poster format allows for a comprehensive and accessible presentation of Dr. Drew’s impactful contributions to medicine and society.