Before the Race
- Original dimensions
- 34.9 x 26.4 cm
- Museum
- Walters Art Museum
- Year
- 1882
Scene depicted
In this painting , Degas brilliantly captures the intensity and excitement of a moment before the action. The horses, eager, and the jockeys, in full concentration, stand at the heart of the scene, ready to give their best. The dynamic movements evoke a palpable energy, while the refined details reveal the artist's expertise.
Historical context
This painting is iconic and was created in 1882, in Paris, an emblematic city of French culture at the heart of the Impressionist movement. At that time, art was undergoing a transformation, breaking free from established academic conventions. The canvas is currently located at the Walters Art Museum , where it attracts visitors from around the world.
Place in the artist's career
Before the Race represents a milestone in Degas's career, reflecting a phase where he explores bold compositions and innovative angles. Comparatively, other of his paintings , such as "The Dance Class" and "The Dancers," show an evolution in his technique and approach to movement and light, enriching his artistic corpus.
Anecdote
Degas once said: "I do not paint what I see, but what I feel." This thought illustrates the genesis of his masterpiece , which was undoubtedly inspired by a morning of soft light where he observed the excitement of the jockeys before the race. This moment, filled with anticipation, resonates deeply throughout the canvas .