Two Studies of a Jockey

Edgar Degas (1834-1917) created the nuanced drawing, Two Studies of a Jockey. Executed in black chalk, charcoal, and pastel on brown laid paper, this work showcases the artist's early command of figure study and tonal contrast. Cataloged within the period of 1826 to 1850, this French drawing provides insight into the formative years of Degas’s career, long before his move toward Impressionism and the depictions of ballet dancers for which he is most famous.

The drawing is a formal academic study, presenting two separate poses of a jockey figure. These are likely preparatory sketches exploring motion, weight, and the unique silhouette of the rider’s uniform and posture. The combination of black chalk and charcoal allowed Degas to establish deep, rich shadows and strong outlines, reinforcing the three-dimensionality of the figures. The subtle inclusion of pastel, applied to suggest highlights or perhaps elements of the jockey’s silks, hints at his developing interest in color and atmosphere, though the focus here remains primarily graphic and structural.

This commitment to detailed, observational drawing was central to Degas's approach throughout his professional life, whether depicting contemporary genre scenes or classical figures. Although Degas is often associated with the later decades of the 19th century, this piece reminds viewers of the rigorous classical training that underpinned his technical innovation. This crucial early study, Two Studies of a Jockey, highlights his developing skill as a draftsman during the mid-century. Today, the work is part of the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. High-quality prints and reproductions of works from this era, now frequently entering the public domain, continue to disseminate the legacy of masters like Degas globally.