Before the Race Edgar Degas (1834-1917)

The canvas presents a scene of palpable anticipation and nervous energy centered around a group of horses poised at the starting line. Here we see several thoroughbreds, their muscular forms rendered with broad, energetic brushstrokes that convey both power and restlessness. The color palette is dominated by warm earth tones – ochres, siennas, and russets – which contribute to an atmosphere of sun-drenched tension.
The artist has chosen a slightly elevated perspective, allowing for a view across the track towards a blurred background populated with indistinct figures, presumably spectators. This placement emphasizes the horses and riders as the focal point, drawing attention to their immediate state of readiness. The composition is not static; rather, it suggests imminent movement. The diagonal lines created by the horses’ bodies and the angle of their heads contribute to this sense of dynamism.
The riders are depicted in a simplified manner, their faces largely obscured beneath their helmets, emphasizing their role as intermediaries between the human and animal worlds. Their postures – leaning forward, gripping the reins tightly – mirror the horses own coiled energy. The varied colors of the jockey silks – red, green, blue – add visual interest and help to distinguish individual participants within the group.
Beyond a straightforward depiction of a pre-race moment, the painting hints at broader themes. The blurred background and indistinct figures suggest the fleeting nature of time and the ephemeral quality of spectacle. There is an underlying sense of anxiety and uncertainty inherent in competition; the horses are not merely waiting, but bracing themselves for exertion and potential defeat. The artist’s use of loose brushwork and a limited color range creates a feeling of immediacy and emotional intensity, inviting contemplation on the psychological state of both the animals and those involved in this ritualistic display of skill and athleticism.