The Races

"The Races" by Édouard Manet French, 1832-1883, is an important example of the artist’s commitment to modern subject matter and innovative printmaking techniques. Created between 1865 and 1872, this graphic work utilizes the specific technique of chine collé: a lithograph in black was printed onto delicate ivory chine paper, which was then permanently affixed to a sturdier ivory wove paper support. This complex method allowed Manet to achieve remarkable tonal subtlety and rich contrasts essential for conveying the immediacy of the subject.

Dating to the nascent period of Impressionism (c. 1860–1890s), this piece places Manet firmly within the Parisian avant-garde of 19th-century France. Manet rejected the academic demands for historical narrative, instead dedicating himself to scenes of contemporary urban life. Horse racing, a popular spectacle in the rapidly modernizing society of the Second Empire, provided the perfect subject to explore themes of movement, speed, and leisure.

Manet’s distinctive composition reflects the influence of new visual technologies, such as photography, and the cropping of Japanese woodblock prints. By placing the viewer directly within the path of the oncoming horses, the artist creates a sensation of kinetic energy and controlled chaos. This dramatic, almost cinematic viewpoint captures the blurred action, anticipating the core concerns of his Impressionist colleagues.

While best known for his provocative oil paintings, Manet considered his extensive output of graphic prints integral to his practice, allowing him to experiment with form and technique. The dynamic handling of light and shadow in this lithograph showcases the artist’s mastery of the medium. Today, this key contribution to 19th-century European art is housed in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a testament to Manet’s pioneering role in modern French art.