At the Races: Before the Start
- Original dimensions
- 90 x 40 cm
- Museum
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- Year
- 1888
Scene depicted
In this canvas , Degas captures the slightly electric tranquility of a scene before a race. The characters prepare, their thoughts the fruit of a palpable anticipation, while the arena is charged with energy. This masterpiece revolves around a subtle dynamic, playing on the contrast between agitation and stillness, a reflection on the intensity of life.
Historical context
Created in 1888, at the heart of the Belle Époque, this painting is rooted in the Impressionist movement, a true reflection of an era where art and everyday life meet. This canvas , currently exhibited at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts , measures 90 x 40 cm and captures the excitement of horse racing, an iconic scene of Parisian life in the 19th century.
Place in the artist's career
“At the Races: Before the Start” is a centerpiece of Degas' maturity, where the artist frees himself from the constraints of Realism to explore new perspectives. This painting dialogues with works like “The Dance Class” and “The Horse Race,” showing his evolution towards a poetic abstraction that seeks to capture more of the human essence.
Anecdote
“Life is a race, and art is the spectator waiting.” said Degas. Inspired by the sounds of hooves and the murmurs of the spectators, he captures the bittersweet moment of an imminent start. This moment before the tension can be felt in every brushstroke of this painting , where the vibrant air of excitement fills the canvas.
Major exhibitions
Paul Durand-Ruel, the Bet of Impressionism