The Start of the1858 Epsom Derby; The finish of the 1858 Epsom Derby 18727 20

The diptych presents a panoramic view of a significant sporting event – a horse race – likely intended to capture both the initial surge and the concluding moments of competition. The upper panel depicts the race nearing its climax, while the lower panel shows the field at an earlier stage.
Here we see a vast expanse of land dominated by a sprawling racetrack. A dense crowd occupies a significant portion of the background, their presence suggesting the popularity and social importance of this event. The figures are rendered as small, indistinct shapes, emphasizing the scale of the gathering and the collective excitement surrounding the race. The artist has employed a muted palette – predominantly browns, greens, and greys – to convey a sense of realism and to focus attention on the horses and riders.
In the upper panel, three horses are prominently positioned near the finish line, their jockeys leaning forward in an effort to propel them onward. The composition creates a dynamic tension as these animals strain towards victory. The background features a distant landscape with rolling hills under a cloudy sky, which adds depth and perspective to the scene. A flag or banner is visible atop a hill, possibly marking the finish line or serving as a symbolic marker of achievement.
The lower panel offers a broader view of the race’s commencement. The horses are spread out across the track, still maintaining considerable distance from the finish. Here we observe a similar color scheme and attention to detail in depicting the riders attire – primarily red jackets – which provides visual contrast against the earthy tones of the landscape. A solitary flagpole punctuates the left side of the composition, serving as a vertical anchor within the horizontal expanse of the scene.
The subtexts embedded within this work extend beyond a simple depiction of a horse race. The sheer number of spectators suggests an event of considerable social and cultural significance, likely attended by members of the upper classes. The meticulous rendering of detail – the horses’ musculature, the riders posture, the texture of the ground – indicates a desire to document not only the spectacle but also the technical aspects of horsemanship and sporting competition. The diptych format itself reinforces this narrative, presenting a sequential account of the race from beginning to end, emphasizing the drama and suspense inherent in such events.