Before the Race (c. 1887-1889)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
The painting "Before the Race" by Edgar Degas, created around 1887 to 1889, is an exquisite portrayal of racehorses and their jockeys moments before a race. Degas, renowned for his mastery in capturing movement and his exquisite attention to detail, brings to life the vibrant energy and tension that fills the air just before the race begins.In this serene composition, three jockeys astride their lean, muscular horses are depicted. Each jockey, clad in brightly colored racing silks, is poised with an air of concentration and anticipation. The brushwork is brisk and the colors vibrant, reflecting the dynamic nature of the scene. The landscape behind them, executed in harmonious greens and blues, sets a tranquil backdrop that contrasts with the focused energy of the riders and their mounts.Degas's fascination with horses, which is evident in numerous other works, shines through in "Before the Race." He not only captures the physicality and grace of these thoroughbreds but also the subtle interplay of relationships—between the jockeys and their horses, and among the competitors themselves.