The Runaway Match 1877

William Holbrook Beard's "The Runaway Match" (1877) is an example of the artist's well-known humorous animal paintings. This genre of art was popular during the 19th century and often depicted animals engaged in human activities. Beard's painting shows a group of monkeys gathered for a wedding ceremony, with the groom and bride dressed in formal attire. The scene is full of subtle details and comedic expressions that capture the absurdity of the situation. This whimsical approach to animal portraiture was a signature of Beard's work and continues to entertain viewers today.