William Holbrook Beard (American, 1824-1900) "When Ignorance is Bliss," (Red Fox Spying Unsuspecting Chickens) oil on canvas, titled upper left under spandrel, original stretcher. Replaced period frame, Ammi Ribar 2020; cleaned by Tom Yost Conservation. Exhibited at the Brooklyn Art Association under the title "Foxes and Chickens," March, 1868. Beard frequently used an oval format, he was nationally famous for his compositions anthropomorphizing animals, usually with humorous traits or situations. Bears and foxes were his two favorite animals to paint. Here the humorous, alert face of a fox peeps from the leafy forest growth, while the other fox spies on unaware feeding chickens. The use of burdock leaves and wild phlox with pink blossoms turns up in many of Beard's compositions. The burdock leaf is almost a personal symbol for the artist. Size: 18.75'' x 15.25'', 48 x 39 cm (stretcher); 29.25'' x 26.25'', 74 x 67 cm (frame). Provenance: Private collection; James Price/Delaware Antiques Show; Collection of Dr. Christine I. Oaklander.

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