Handcuffs with One Key c. 1936

"Handcuffs with One Key" (c. 1936) is a drawing by Cornelius Frazier, a celebrated African American artist. The work depicts a set of handcuffs, rendered in meticulous detail with a single key, a symbolic contrast of restriction and potential liberation. Frazier's choice of subject matter likely reflects his experiences with racial injustice and the ongoing struggle for equality. The drawing's realistic style and subtle use of color underscore the gravity of the theme, prompting viewers to contemplate the power dynamics and the complexities of human experience.