Setting Free Collection

Toba-e: Okame under mosquito netting, releasing a rat while her lover looks aghast, c1810s. Creator: Ikeda Eisen
Toba-e: Okame under mosquito netting, releasing a rat while her lover looks aghast, c1810s

Precieux Auxiliaires; Un lacher de pigeons, 1915. Creator: Unknown
Precieux Auxiliaires; Un lacher de pigeons, 1915. From "L'Album de la Guerre 1914-1919: Volume I" [L'Illustration, Paris, 1926]

La Reine Blanche de Castille délivrant les prisonniers, 1801. Creator: Francois-Marius Granet
La Reine Blanche de Castille delivrant les prisonniers, 1801. Blanche of Castile, accompanied by soldiers, releases prisoners who prostrate themselves at her feet. Three people watch from above

Esquisse pour le salon des Lettres de l'Hôtel de Ville de Paris : La philosophie affran... c.1890
Esquisse pour le salon des Lettres de l'Hotel de Ville de Paris : La philosophie affranchit la pensee, c.1890. Philosophy frees Thought

Esquisse pour l'église Saint-Ambroise : Saint Ambroise, évêque de Milan, livre les vases... 1873
Esquisse pour l'eglise Saint-Ambroise : Saint Ambroise, eveque de Milan, livre les vases sacres de son eglise pour racheter ses prisonniers, 1873

Gâres les Albums, 1828. Creator: Auguste Raffet
Gares les Albums, 1828

Coursing: Slipping the Greyhounds, 1887. A print from The Illustrated London News, 12th Febuary 1887

Parody of Minamoto no Yoritomo releasing cranes at Yuigahama, Japan, c. 1805

Boy releasing a kite, Japan, c. 1800 / 10. Creator: Hokusai
Boy releasing a kite, Japan, c. 1800/10

Saint Peter being released from prison by the angel, 1650-70

The Death of the First Born, and Setting Free of the Israelites (engraving)
5200506 The Death of the First Born, and Setting Free of the Israelites (engraving) by Schnorr von Carolsfeld, Julius (1794-1872) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Death of the First Born)

Caricature of Giuseppe Garibaldi empting a boot (Italy) full of crowns
2960098 Caricature of Giuseppe Garibaldi empting a boot (Italy) full of crowns, by Litografia Perrotta (colour litho) by Italian School

Epimetheus opening Pandoras box, 1531-76. Creator: Giulio Bonasone
Epimetheus opening Pandoras box, 1531-76

Orestes Released from the Furies, probably 1520s, before 1540. Creator: Valerio Belli
Orestes Released from the Furies, probably 1520s, before 1540

Lady Murasaki Sets a Bird Free from a Cage, 19th century. Creator: Gakutei
Lady Murasaki Sets a Bird Free from a Cage, 19th century

Initials with Saint Peter Liberated from Prison, first half 14th century. Creator: Unknown
Initials with Saint Peter Liberated from Prison, first half 14th century

The Released Woman, 1882, (1965). Creator: Vladimir Makovsky
The Released Woman, 1882, (1965). Scene in a Russian court building: a woman is greeted by her family after her acquittal. Painting in the State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

The Release, 1919. Artist: Francis Ernest Jackson
The Release, 1919. From Modern Woodcuts and Lithographs by British and French Artists, by Geoffrey Holme. [The Studio Ltd. London, Paris, New York, 1919]

Scene at Whitecross Street Prison showing a release of prisoners, London, 1870. Artist
Scene at Whitecross Street Prison showing a release of prisoners, London, 1870. From The Graphic

When the strange-looking blackfellows were close to him, Yoonecara released the bandicoot, 1923. The adventurous journey of Yoonecara the headman; Yoonecara, head of the Kamilaroi tribe

Messenger pigeons being released at the front line, World War I, 1915

Setting free of the Italian prisoners, Abyssinia, 1896. Artist: F Meaulle
Setting free of the Italian prisoners, Abyssinia, 1896. An illustration from Le Petit Journal, 29th April 1896

Releasing French army homing pigeons on board the transatlantic liner La Bretagne, 1898. The birds were released on the voyage between Le Havre and New York. From Le Petit Journal

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"Setting Free: A Parody of Liberation and Freedom Across Time" In a whimsical display reminiscent of Minamoto no Yoritomo's cranes soaring at Yuigahama, Japan in 1805, we find ourselves captivated by the notion of setting free. Just as a young boy releases his kite into the vast expanse of the sky in 19th century Japan, our hearts are lifted with each fluttering movement. But it is not only earthly beings that experience liberation; even celestial forces intervene. As Saint Peter emerges from his prison cell, guided by an angel's touch in a painting from the 17th century, we witness divine intervention paving the way for newfound freedom. The concept extends beyond individuals to entire nations seeking emancipation. In an engraving depicting "The Death of the First Born and Setting Free of the Israelites, " we glimpse both tragedy and deliverance intertwined within historical narratives. Yet liberation can also take on more lighthearted forms. Giuseppe Garibaldi playfully empties a boot filled with crowns, symbolizing Italy's pursuit of sovereignty through satire and caricature. Sometimes, however, freedom comes at great cost or unleashes unforeseen consequences. Epimetheus' ill-fated decision to open Pandora's box reminds us that liberation may come hand-in-hand with challenges and tribulations. In Valerio Belli's depiction from centuries past, Orestes finds release from tormenting Furies—an allegory for personal redemption amidst internal struggles—a timeless theme resonating across generations. Even Lady Murasaki recognizes that true liberty lies not only in physical release but also in freeing one's spirit. She delicately sets a bird free from its cage—a poignant metaphor for breaking barriers imposed upon oneself. Throughout history, moments etched onto paper capture pivotal instances where freedom triumphs over oppression. An unknown artist crafts initials showcasing Saint Peter liberated from prison during the 14th century—a testament to the enduring power of liberation.