Chinese Woman, Man with Legs Chained and Another Carrying Parasol and Bundle 1800 - 1900

This watercolor painting of a Chinese woman and two men, one with chained legs, was made by an anonymous artist. The anonymous artist has rendered a scene of labor using delicate brushwork and subtle washes of color on paper, a stark contrast to the harsh reality depicted. The chaining of the man's legs, a blatant symbol of forced labor, becomes all the more disturbing when set against the meticulous artistry. The use of watercolor, traditionally associated with refinement, here serves to document the social realities of its time. We don't know who commissioned this work, but the scene hints at the vast amount of human labor involved in producing export goods, as well as class distinctions, and power dynamics within Chinese society at the time. By considering the material choices and the artist's technique, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex layers of meaning embedded in this seemingly simple composition.