Race Horses

Edgar Degas's Race Horses, completed between 1885 and 1888, is a vibrant example of his late-career explorations of movement and modern Parisian leisure. Classified technically as a drawing, this piece is executed brilliantly in pastel on wood, a combination Degas often favored for its immediacy and its unique ability to blend the sharp definition of line work with the nuanced, painterly richness of color. The technique allows for rapid captures of atmospheric effects, giving the work its characteristic sense of light and fleeting action.

Degas was intensely fascinated by the spectacle of the racetrack, a contemporary setting that allowed him to study the dynamic interaction between the powerful horses and the disciplined figures of the jockeys mounted upon them. The composition captures the quiet tension preceding a start, focusing on the individual postures of the men and animals as they wait. Unlike earlier equestrian artists who emphasized heroic, traditional poses, Degas provided an intimate, often candid view, highlighting the subtle anticipation inherent in the sport.

This significant work demonstrates the artist’s mastery of the pastel medium, which he used to capture kinetic energy and specific moments in time. The piece is held in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where it serves as a key example of the artist’s unique approach to Impressionism. Given its age and cultural impact, high-quality prints of this remarkable drawing are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring the broad legacy of Degas continues to be accessible worldwide.