Horses in the Meadow (Chevaux dans la prairie)

Horses in the Meadow (Chevaux dans la prairie) is a distinctive print created by Edgar Degas between 1891 and 1892. This piece utilizes the specialized technique of soft-ground etching, allowing the French artist to capture the spontaneity and textural quality often associated with graphite or charcoal drawing rather than traditional printmaking. The soft-ground method involves pressing a material, such as tracing paper or fabric, onto a prepared etching plate, resulting in a subtle, granular effect when printed, which gives the image a remarkably delicate appearance.

Although Degas is most widely recognized for his depictions of ballet dancers and Parisian interiors, his dedicated study of equestrian subjects forms a significant, if less frequent, portion of his output. These subjects connect his modern sensibilities back to earlier academic traditions of animal study. Created during the period spanning 1876 to 1900, the work reflects the artist's ongoing interest in capturing animals in movement and at rest, focusing less on narrative and more on observation. The composition emphasizes the quiet interaction between the horses and their environment, showcasing the technical mastery Degas brought to his graphic production.

As a strong example of his printmaking skills, this soft-ground etching demonstrates Degas's sustained commitment to experimentation outside of his primary mediums of oil and pastel. The work resides within the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it is classified among their significant holdings of 19th-century French prints. While many of the masterworks from this era have entered the public domain, allowing for widespread study, this specific piece highlights the intricate processes Degas employed late in his prolific career.