Study of a Jockey

The Study of a Jockey is a delicate and powerful drawing executed by Edgar Degas using charcoal on brown paper. Classified as a foundational drawing, this work demonstrates the artist's early exploration of figure studies and kinetic movement, subjects that would define his mature career.

Degas utilizes the rich tonal range afforded by charcoal, defining the musculature and posture of the jockey figure with confident, sweeping lines against the warm, mid-tone of the brown paper support. As an accomplished draftsman, Degas used preparatory studies like this to refine his approach to the human form, focusing intently on the dynamic potential inherent in athletic subjects. The emphasis here is on anatomical structure and balance, rather than atmosphere or environmental setting.

While Degas is primarily associated with the Impressionist movement and his mature works documenting Parisian life in the latter half of the 19th century, this study is officially cataloged within the period spanning 1826 to 1850. This early timeframe places the drawing within the context of burgeoning French interest in Realism and the strict preparatory drawing traditions of the École des Beaux-Arts. The precision and academic rigor required in creating such early studies highlight the fundamental artistic training that formed the basis of Degas’s unparalleled draftsmanship.

This exceptional work is part of the extensive collection held by the National Gallery of Art. The piece serves as a crucial document tracing the evolution of Degas’s artistic concerns, particularly his lifelong fascination with the sport of horse racing. Due to its historical significance and age, this artwork may be designated as being in the public domain, making high-quality prints accessible for educational or private collecting purposes.