Racehorses (study for "Scene from the Steeplechase: The Fallen Jockey")

Degas used charcoal with rapid, layered strokes to suggest motion and weight. Hard pressure created deep smudges, while lighter lines defined form without detail. The loose, almost spontaneous handling reflects his interest in capturing fleeting moments. Cross-hatching and selective erasure modulate light and shadow, enhancing the sense of speed without relying on finished rendering.

This study belongs to a series Degas produced in the early 1880s exploring horse racing, a subject he revisited throughout his career. While the final painting was exhibited in 1882, this drawing remained in his personal collection until his death. It later entered a public collection, where it is now recognized as a key example of his preparatory process and analytical approach to movement.

During the 1880s, horse racing was a popular urban pastime in France, attracting spectators from all classes. Degas, though not a fan of the sport’s social scene, was fascinated by its kinetic energy. His studies of horses and riders were part of a broader investigation into anatomy and motion, paralleling his work with dancers and reflecting contemporary scientific interest in locomotion.

This drawing exemplifies Degas’s method of using quick studies to dissect motion, influencing later artists interested in dynamic form. Its rawness and focus on transient action contrasted with academic traditions, helping redefine the role of sketching in artistic practice. Today, it stands as a testament to his commitment to observing reality through disciplined, repeated study.