Edgar Degas – Horses in a Meadow National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The composition presents a pastoral scene dominated by rolling hills and a body of water in the mid-ground. The palette is muted, primarily consisting of greens, browns, and grays, contributing to a sense of atmospheric perspective and subdued light. A hazy sky reinforces this effect, obscuring any distinct celestial features.
Two horses occupy the foreground, positioned slightly left of center. One is dark brown, its coat appearing thick and somewhat unkempt; the other is white or pale gray, standing closer to the viewer. Their postures suggest a moment of quiet repose – grazing or simply pausing in their activity. The artist has rendered them with an emphasis on texture, particularly evident in the depiction of their manes and tails.
Beyond the horses, a river or wide stream stretches into the distance, bordered by buildings that appear to be industrial structures – possibly mills or factories – emitting plumes of smoke. This juxtaposition of natural landscape and human industry introduces a subtle tension within the scene. The presence of these structures suggests an encroachment upon the pastoral ideal, hinting at the impact of modernization on rural life.
The hills in the background are rendered with loose brushstrokes, creating a sense of depth and vastness. A single horse is visible further back, smaller in scale, reinforcing the feeling of expansive space. The foreground includes a fallen branch, adding a touch of realism and grounding the scene.
Subtly, the painting conveys a mood of quiet contemplation. While seemingly straightforward in its depiction of horses in a meadow, it also alludes to broader themes of progress, industry, and the changing relationship between humanity and nature. The muted color scheme and loose brushwork contribute to an overall feeling of melancholy or nostalgia for a disappearing way of life.