← Edgar Degas

Horse Balking

Original title: Horse Balking

Artist

Edgar Degas

Date

modeled probably ca. 1888–90, cast 1920

Medium

Bronze

Dimensions

11-3/8 x 15-5/8 x 9-3/8 in. (28.9 x 39.7 x 23.8 cm.)

Credit line

H.O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H.O. Havemeyer, 1929

kurzbeschreibung

A galloping horse, turned to the left, its legs caught in different phases of the stride — this is the bronze by Edgar Degas. Modeled probably around 1888–90, it was not cast until 1920. The pose conveys power and sudden movement.

Description

The horse's legs are captured in varying positions as it moves to the left. Standing on a flat bronze base, the surface reveals structures that trace muscles and body build. Light accents the forms, and the uniform bronze tone defines the entire appearance.

Context

At a time when Degas was intensely occupied with horses — a theme that also recurs in his paintings and drawings — this work was probably made around 1888–90. The bronze cast, however, was only made in 1920, after the artist's death, authorized by his heirs. Degas had experimented with wax and clay to capture movement.

Impact

The moment of shying is immediately present. The rough surface and the precise leg positions give the figure an almost sketch-like freshness, characteristic of Degas's late creations.

Technique

The bronze cast preserves Degas's original wax modeling. Irregular textures on the surface testify to the direct working of the model. The base is part of the cast and gives the arrangement support.

AI-generated description text

Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)