Head of a Horse
Original title: Head of a Horse
kurzbeschreibung
Edgar Degas drew this horse's head around 1878 in graphite on wove paper. The animal's head and neck appear in a close-up view, with a halter and delicate strokes defining the facial forms.
Description
A horse's head and neck rendered in black and white on paper. A halter runs across the nose and neck. Eyes, nostrils, and mouth are captured with detailed lines. Nothing else appears on the sheet—the background remains empty.
Context
This drawing was made around 1878, when Degas frequently turned to horses, often in connection with racing scenes. The sheet bears a signature and date and belongs to a series of studies that preceded larger paintings.
Impact
Your gaze is immediately drawn to the animal's anatomy and expression. The lines are precise yet loosely drawn, giving the sheet an immediate, lively quality. Because all extraneous detail is absent, the drawing feels concentrated.
Technique
Graphite on wove paper. The fine, sometimes merely suggested strokes reveal a quick, observant working method characteristic of Degas's study sheets.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)