The artwork, entitled “The Poker Game,” was created by William Holbrook Beard in the year 1888. This piece is a notable example of the Romanticism art movement and falls under the genres of animal painting and caricature.
The artwork depicts a group of monkeys, anthropomorphized and dressed in attire reminiscent of Renaissance-era human fashion, engaging in a game of poker around a wooden table. Each monkey displays a unique expression, characterized by exaggerated, almost caricature-like features. The scene is set in an interior space with dim lighting, casting a sense of intimacy and concentration among the players. The artist’s use of rich colors and detailed textures highlights the whimsical and satirical nature of the composition.
