Study of a Jockey (c. 1884)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
Edgar Degas, renowned for his profound influence on the Impressionist movement, presents a compelling study in this sketch titled "Study of a Jockey" from around 1884. This artwork exemplifies Degas’s adept use of charcoal, providing a depth and movement that captures more than just the physical form of the jockey; it also echoes the intense focus and poised energy typical of athletes in this sport.The piece focuses on the figure of a jockey, dressed in riding attire including a cap, closely fitted jacket, and jodhpurs, suggesting the preparatory moments before a race. The jockey’s posture, bent forward with a slight turn of the head, manifests a moment of contemplation or perhaps strategic planning. The rough yet strategic strokes of charcoal create an atmosphere of both tension and anticipation, offering a glimpse into the mental preparation behind the physical exertion in horse racing.Degas's skill in rendering the textures of the fabric and the subtle anatomy of the jockey underlines his fascination with human figures and their dynamics in various settings, particularly in the realm of sports and performance.