The False Start (ca. 1869–72)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
Edgar Degas's painting "The False Start" offers a captivating glimpse into the dynamic world of horse racing circa 1869–72, showcasing his characteristic attention to motion and his keen observational skills. This artwork vividly captures a lively scene at a racetrack where a race has encountered a false start.In the foreground, two jockeys astride their spirited horses convey a sense of urgent movement, with one horse rearing to the left while the other moves towards the right, both prepared to sprint. The background features a crowd of spectators seated under an ornately decorated pavilion. These figures, rendered with less detail than the horses and jockeys, help to emphasize the action unfolding in the foreground.Degas's mastery in depicting everyday life is evident through his effective use of light and shadow, lending a palpable tension and immediacy to the moment.