Artwork

School Rules

School Rules, by William Holbrook Beard, oil, 1894
School Rules, by William Holbrook Beard, oil, 1894

School Rules is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist William Holbrook Beard. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

About this work

Overview

School Rules is a 1894 oil painting by William Holbrook Beard, exemplifying his satirical approach to art within the American Impressionist movement.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts anthropomorphic animals, dressed in human attire, standing in line in a school setting, accompanied by a young boy. The scene conveys a sense of tension and nervousness among the animals, while a man in a red coat observes from a nearby bench.

Technique & Style

Beard's characteristic style is evident in the use of oil paint to create a satirical scene, blending humor and social commentary through the depiction of animals engaging in human-like behavior.

History & Provenance

School Rules is part of the collection at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of William Holbrook Beard

Artist

William Holbrook Beard

William Holbrook Beard (April 13, 1824 – February 20, 1900) was an American painter who is known best for his satirical paintings of beasts performing human-like activities.