Before the race

Mediums: oil on panel.
Location: The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore.
Dimension: 26.5 x 34.9 сm.

Horse racing was very popular in 19th century France. Degas began admiring horses after he visited friends in Normandy. He admired the movement of the horses and the colors of the jockeys’ uniforms. The artist wanted to make his paintings seem spontaneous, as if he’d captured a passing moment.