The artwork “Jockeys” by Edgar Degas is a pastel creation that dates to approximately between 1885 and 1900. Degas, renowned for his contributions to the Impressionist movement, often depicted scenes of modern life and had a fascination with the subject of horse racing. In this piece, the use of pastel is typical of the artist’s style during his later period. “Jockeys” can be categorized as a genre painting, highlighting a moment of everyday life. As an original artwork by Degas, it is a significant piece that currently resides within a private collection.
The painting itself captures the vibrant and dynamic energy of horse racing. We see several jockeys mounted on their horses, possibly in a moment of preparation or rest before or after a race. The figures are rendered with loose and expressive strokes, a hallmark of the Impressionist style that sought to capture the essence and movement of the subject rather than meticulous detail. The vibrant colors and blurred lines suggest movement and the lively atmosphere of the racetrack. The background appears to be a quickly sketched suggestion of a sky with airy and lightly applied strokes of blue and white, further evoking the feeling of a fleeting moment caught on canvas.
