Affiche voor de Dagteekenschool en Kunstambachtschool voor Meisjes in Amsterdam 1884 - 1913

This is Herman Hana’s poster for the Dagteekenschool en Kunstambachtschool voor Meisjes in Amsterdam. The lithograph presents an array of stylized graphic elements in a bilaterally symmetrical composition featuring earthy tones of gold, green, and black, evoking a sense of both opulence and grounded stability. The poster's design, rooted in the Art Nouveau aesthetic, employs flowing lines and organic motifs to frame the textual information about the school. At the top, two female figures mirror each other, their forms merging into the decorative foliage, suggesting an intimate connection between art, nature, and the feminine. This compositional structure implies a dual emphasis, not only on the school's functional purpose but also on its symbolic aspirations towards cultivating artistic expression. The use of symmetry, along with stylized representations, implies a structured yet harmonious approach to art education. This piece destabilizes traditional notions by suggesting that art is not merely decorative but integral to cultural and educational frameworks.