Edgar Degas – Before the Race, 1882-88 Sotheby’s

Here we see a depiction of a horse race in progress. The scene is dominated by the figures of horses and jockeys, rendered with loose brushstrokes that convey movement and energy. Several horses are visible, positioned at varying distances from the viewer, suggesting depth within the composition. Their coats appear predominantly reddish-brown, unified by a warm palette that saturates the entire canvas.
The artist has chosen to focus on capturing the dynamism of the event rather than precise detail. The jockeys are largely indistinct figures atop their mounts; their clothing is suggested through color and texture rather than meticulously defined lines. This contributes to a sense of immediacy, as if we are witnessing the race unfold before us.
The background is less sharply rendered, consisting primarily of muted greens and browns that evoke a field or pasture setting. A line of trees appears in the distance, providing a visual anchor but not drawing significant attention away from the central action. The sky is indistinct, blending with the surrounding landscape through a hazy atmosphere.
The color scheme reinforces the overall impression of warmth and vitality. Earth tones prevail, punctuated by the brighter colors of the jockeys’ caps – red and yellow – which serve to draw the eye and highlight their presence within the scene. The application of paint is thick and textured, creating a palpable sense of physicality and contributing to the feeling of movement.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a race, theres an underlying suggestion of fleeting moments and the ephemeral nature of competition. The blurred details and loose brushwork imply that this is not a static scene but rather a captured instant in time – a moment of exertion, striving, and potential victory or defeat. The lack of clear narrative focus allows for multiple interpretations; it could be seen as a celebration of athleticism, an exploration of the relationship between humans and animals, or simply a study of light and color within a natural setting.