The Bear Dance Framed Print Value Guide

The Bear Dance is a celebrated satirical allegory by William Holbrook Beard that uses anthropomorphic bears to represent the volatility of the New York Stock Exchange. This modern framed reproduction captures the 1870 masterpiece, which remains a cornerstone of American financial art and is currently housed in the New-York Historical Society.

What affects the value of The Bear Dance Framed Print?

• Overall condition of the frame and glass, as chips or cracks significantly reduce the $110-$120 market value.
• The quality of the print reproduction, specifically the clarity of the satirical details and color accuracy to the original 1870 work.
• Frame style and material, with solid wood frames commanding higher prices than composite or plastic alternatives.
• The size of the print, as larger formats suitable for office or study decor typically reach the higher end of the valuation range.

How to Identify The Bear Dance Framed Print?

• Verify the subject matter features numerous bears dancing in a chaotic, anthropomorphic circle representing a 'bear market'.
• Check for modern construction materials including contemporary wood framing and glass consistent with the 2000-2020 production era.
• Look for high-quality ink saturation on paper that accurately reproduces the details of Beard's original 19th-century oil painting.
• Confirm the origin as the United States, often indicated by modern gallery or framer labels on the reverse.

History of The Bear Dance Framed Print

Originally painted in 1870, this work is a satirical allegory of the New York Stock Exchange. Beard used anthropomorphic bears to symbolize the 'bear market' and the chaotic nature of Wall Street. The original oil painting is housed in the New-York Historical Society, and it remains one of the most famous examples of American satirical art from the 19th century.