Ball And Chain Collection

As American Goes, So Goes the World. American cartoon by D. R. Fitzpatrick, 1953
CIVIL RIGHTS CARTOON, 1953. As American Goes, So Goes the World. American cartoon by D.R. Fitzpatrick, 1953, on the emphasis in President Eisenhowers inauguration speech on the importance of

Consolation of the Imprisoned. Creator: Conrad Meyer
Consolation of the Imprisoned

Victorian satirical cartoon, on Wedlock
Vintage engraving of a victorian satirical cartoon, on Wedlock

Satan bound for a Thousand Years, from the Apocalypse. n. d. Creator: Jean Duvet
Satan bound for a Thousand Years, from the Apocalypse.n.d

La Fontaines Fables - Death and the Unhappy Man
Vintage engraving from La Fontaines Fables, Illustraed by Gustave Dore. Death and the Unhappy Man

Untitled, 1895 (oil on canvas)
OVR371462 Untitled, 1895 (oil on canvas) by Bergslien, Nils (1853-1928); 257x150 cm; Private Collection; Photo © O. Vaering

Caricature of Joseph Reinach, from the front cover of Le Rire
BAL366860 Caricature of Joseph Reinach, from the front cover of Le Rire, 28th May 1898 (colour litho) by Mirabeau, Sibylle-Gabrielle de Riquetti de (Gyp) (1850-1932); Private Collection; (add.info)

American Womanhood -You release my shackles and I ll release yours, editorial cartoon
3709808 American Womanhood -You release my shackles and IA ll release yours, editorial cartoon, c.1898 (black and white editorial cartoon) by American School

Detail of the finial of an incense burner, in the shape of a Kylin, Meiji period
PFR270969 Detail of the finial of an incense burner, in the shape of a Kylin, Meiji period, late 19th century (bronze) (detail of 260969) by Japanese School

Sa Majeste!!! Ou l habit ne fait pas le moine
XIR161365 Sa Majeste!!! Ou l habit ne fait pas le moine!, caricature of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte (1808-73) 5th September 1870 (coloured engraving) by Faustin (Faustin Betbeder) (b.1847)

Behave Little Piggy
Petri Damstén

Actor, Alan Boswell, who plays King Pellimore in the Minerva Clubs production of Camelot, at the Kings Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland

Black Hawk and Five Other Saukie Prisoners, 1861 / 1869. Creator: George Catlin
Black Hawk and Five Other Saukie Prisoners, 1861/1869. Muk-a-ta-mish-o-ka-kaik (chief) with Na-se-us-kuk, Wa-saw-me-saw, Pam-a-ho

Alfred Dreyfus (1855-1935) as a prisoner, 1894-1906 (colour litho)
XIR197212 Alfred Dreyfus (1855-1935) as a prisoner, 1894-1906 (colour litho) by French School; Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

SYMBOLS: SHACKLES. Ball and chain and a yoke, both symbols of bondage. Woodcuts

FATHER MIGUEL HIDALGO (1753-1811). Mexican priest and revolutionist. Father Hidalgo (standing)
FATHER MIGUEL HIDALGO (1753-1811). Mexican priest and revolutionist. Father Hidalgo (standing, left) crowns Mexico and breaks chains binding her to Spain. Oil on canvas, 1834, by an unknown artist

WHISKEY RING CARTOON, 1876. Probe Away! American cartoon by Thomas Nast, 1876, on the continuing investigation of members of the Whiskey Ring

animals, ankle, ar, augmented reality, ball, ball and chain, chain, cloud, color image
Ball and chain on ankle of dragon

Close up of a ball and chain shackles, Oro Grande, California, United States, Route 66

OKLAHOMA: JAILHOUSE, c1893. A group of men standing in front of the first jailhouse in Enid, Oklahoma. A ball and chain has been placed at the foot of the man in the doorway. Photographed c1893

France, French Revolution, Long Live Freedom!, 1789
France - 18th century - French Revolution. Long live liberty. Print, 1789

PRISON: THE TOMBS. Prisoner in the Tombs, New York City. 19th century wood engraving

PRISON, 19th CENTURY. The Prison Group. Steel engraving, 19th century, after a painting by Firmin Bouvy

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"Ball and Chain: A Symbol of Freedom, Oppression, and Equality" This diverse collection of images spanning different eras and cultures depicts the concept of a "ball and chain" in various contexts. From President Eisenhower's inauguration speech emphasizing the importance of preserving freedom at home and abroad to Victorian satirical cartoons mocking wedlock, these depictions shed light on the multifaceted nature of this symbol. In Jean Duvet's depiction from the Apocalypse, Satan is bound for a thousand years with a ball and chain—a powerful metaphor for restraining evil forces. Similarly, an engraving from 1772 portrays a female Negro slave with a weight chained to her ankle—an image that evokes the oppression endured by enslaved individuals throughout history. The theme continues with illustrations like the punishment of two black female slaves in 1811—colored engravings that highlight the brutality inflicted upon those held captive. In contrast, La Fontaine's Fables present Death holding an unhappy man captive—a reminder that we are all bound by mortality. Moving forward in time, an untitled oil painting from 1895 captures an unknown subject shackled by societal expectations or personal struggles. Meanwhile, David Gilmour Blythe's Old Virginia Home reflects on America during its tumultuous Civil War period—a nation divided by chains both literal and figurative. Even caricatures such as Joseph Reinach's portrayal on Le Rire magazine cover demonstrate how individuals can be metaphorically restrained through public ridicule or prejudice. However, American Womanhood editorial cartoon offers hope for liberation as it suggests mutual release from societal constraints between genders. Ultimately, these images remind us that "ball and chain" represents more than just physical restraints—it embodies themes like freedom versus oppression, equality versus discrimination. As American goes through its own battles against injustice over time so does rest world; they serve as poignant reminders to strive towards breaking free from any form of bondage while ensuring liberty for all.