Racehorses (study for ‘Scene from the Steeplechase – The Fallen Jockey’) (c. 1881)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
"Racehorses (study for ‘Scene from the Steeplechase – The Fallen Jockey’)" is a captivating sketch by the famed French artist Edgar Degas, created around 1881. This work offers a glimpse into Degas' intricate process of studying dynamic forms and movement, themes he revisited throughout his career, notably within the context of horse racing.The painting captures a moment of intense action and fluid motion, focusing on two racehorses mid-gallop. Sketchy yet expressive lines depict the powerful muscles of the horses, each stride bursting with energy. The foreground features one horse with its neck stretched forward, mane flying back with the speed. Behind it, another horse appears, partially overlapping the first, enhancing the sense of depth and the frenetic pace of a race.The jockey, although lightly sketched, is discernible, hunched over the horse's back, merging almost seamlessly with the animal's form—an illustration of the unity between rider and steed that Degas so adeptly portrays.This sketch is not just a preparatory work but a standalone piece showcasing Degas’ mastery of capturing motion and emotion in few, yet effective, strokes.