The forger standing by an anvil pulling a man in chains, from the series 'The various operations of alchemy' 1535 - 1545

This print, 'The forger standing by an anvil pulling a man in chains', was created by Domenico Beccafumi, an artist working in 16th century Siena, Italy. It comes from a series called 'The various operations of alchemy'. Here, alchemy—often associated with transformation—becomes a lens through which we can examine themes of power, control, and manipulation. Observe how the forger, with his tools and anvil, seems to dominate the chained figure. What does it mean to forge someone else's destiny? Beccafumi lived in a time of enormous social change, and he brings this context to bear on his art. The print may serve as a commentary on social hierarchies and the ways in which individuals are bound by circumstance or societal expectations. It invites us to consider who holds the power to shape our lives, and how we might resist such forces. Is the man in chains a representation of a particular group, perhaps laborers or the poor? It's a stark reminder of the human capacity to both create and constrain.