The artwork titled “Who’s Afraid” was created by William Holbrook Beard in 1884. As part of the Romanticism art movement, this piece falls under the genres of animal painting and caricature.
In the artwork, various animals are anthropomorphized, adopting human behaviors and attire. At the center of the scene stands a female figure wearing a straw hat, green skirt, and white blouse, holding a bucket. She faces a male figure in a suit and top hat, exuding a formal and conversational stance. Behind them, several cows are enclosed within a barn, observing the interaction. On the left side of the composition, a couple of monkeys mimic human actions; one is crouched stealthily behind the tree while another peers from behind in a red garment, adding an element of humor. The overall scene is rich in detail and expression, inviting the viewer to reflect on the whimsical and imaginative portrayal of animals in human roles.
