Fetters 1919

Jean-Louis Forain created this drawing titled ‘Fetters’ using graphite on paper, in 1914. The title immediately draws our attention to the prominent symbol of the shackles hanging loosely from the wrist of the standing figure. The symbol of fetters has been used across cultures to represent enslavement, constraint, and captivity. We can see similar symbolism echoed throughout history. For instance, the broken chains motif appears in numerous abolitionist movements, symbolizing freedom from physical bondage, but also freedom from the constraints of ignorance and prejudice. Here, the shackles are loose, suggesting a potential for liberation. This motif taps into our collective memory, evoking primal feelings of wanting to escape the mental or physical restrictions that prevent personal growth and self-expression. The artist leverages this powerful, shared symbolism to provoke a subconscious emotional response in the viewer. The image is not just about physical imprisonment, but the possibility of transcendence over these restrictions.