Edgar Degas Jockeys And Race Horses BF Barnes Foundation

Edgar Degas Jockeys And Race Horses BF Barnes Foundation

In this artwork, Edgar Degas depicts jockeys and race horses at the BF Barnes Foundation. The subject of the work revolves around horse racing and the dynamic interaction between jockeys and their steeds. Degas employed his signature drawing technique to capture the energy and movement of both humans and animals in this piece. His quick brushstrokes create a sense of fluidity, showcasing the agility of both horse and rider as they gallop through space. The story behind this artwork showcases Degas' fascination with equestrian subjects. He often attended races to observe jockey techniques firsthand, which allowed him to accurately depict their movements on canvas. Colors play an important role in conveying motion within this painting. Various shades of earthy tones are used for depicting horses, while splashes of vibrant colors highlight details such as silks worn by jockeys or flags fluttering alongside racetracks. Degas mainly utilized oil paint for his artworks; however, he also experimented with pastels like chalks or charcoal at times to achieve different effects. This particular artwork holds multiple meanings depending on interpretation. It can represent not just a sporting event but also capture fleeting moments filled with intense physical exertion that ultimately culminate into victory or defeat.

Style

Edgar Degas was associated with Impressionism - an art movement that focused on capturing atmospheric conditions, light effects, spontaneity, everyday scenes,and creating unconventional compositions.The use of loose brushwork,dynamic angles,and emphasis on capturing transitory moments aligns well with Impressionist principles.As seen in "Jockeys And Race Horses",the rapid strokes bring liveliness to the composition,the candid perspective adds depth,further emphasizing its associationwith Impressionistic style.