Battle Scene with Armored Figures on Horseback (recto) Two Seated Women (verso)

The drawing Battle Scene with Armored Figures on Horseback (recto) Two Seated Women (verso) by Edgar Degas, executed during the years 1856 to 1860, provides a rich glimpse into the formative period of the great French artist. Created primarily using black crayon, this early work highlights Degas’s intensive study of both classical composition and figural anatomy, typical of academic training in mid-19th century France.

The double-sided nature of the sheet underscores Degas's dedication to practice. The recto displays a dynamic Battle Scene with Armored Figures on Horseback, characterized by vigorous lines and dense shading that convey a sense of movement and conflict. This historical subject allowed Degas to grapple with complex arrangements of figures, animals, and drama. Conversely, the verso features Two Seated Women, a more intimate, quickly observed study focusing on posture and drapery. The contrast between the epic theme on one side and the quiet domestic scene on the other illustrates the breadth of subjects the young artist was exploring as he transitioned from student to professional.

These preparatory studies, classified simply as Drawing, are vital to understanding the foundations upon which Degas built his later career, which would famously shift toward contemporary scenes of Parisian life. The careful handling of the black crayon demonstrates a controlled mastery of tonal variation and form. As a key example of the artist's work prior to his involvement with the Impressionists, this important piece remains a foundational item within the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.