A Jockey on His Horse
Original title: A Jockey on His Horse
kurzbeschreibung
Edgar Degas depicts a jockey in the saddle around 1868–70, rendered in oil and graphite on a 32.7 x 18.3 cm sheet. The rider is calm, almost motionless, while behind him only suggested horse sketches appear.
Description
A jockey in cap and jacket sits on a horse, both in a quiet, static pose. In the background, faint outlines of other horses remain vague. Gray tones dominate the palette, and the light feels natural and diffuse. The signature 'Degas' appears at the lower left.
Context
In the 1860s, Degas repeatedly turned to horse racing. This sheet likely served as a study for larger paintings such as 'Racehorses' or 'The Racecourse.' The combination of oil and graphite points to his early experimentation with materials.
Impact
The subdued color and loose, sketchy handling create a calm, almost intimate mood. By emphasizing the jockey and horse, the image achieves a focused effect that captures a moment of waiting or preparation.
Technique
Executed in oil and graphite on paper, the oil paint was applied in thin layers. The graphite drawing serves as an underdrawing and adds accents. This allows for a quick, sketch-like capture of the scene, typical of Degas's studies.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)