The Jockey
circa 1888-1898
Degas was absolutely obsessed with the racetrack, capturing the nervous energy of jockeys and their thoroughbreds long before the starting gun fired. In this sepia-toned sketch, you can almost feel the restless shifting of the horses as the riders lean in, chatting or checking their gear. He didn't just paint the race; he painted the anticipation, using quick, scratchy lines to freeze a fleeting moment of preparation. It's a perfect example of how he brought the raw, unposed reality of modern life into his art, moving away from stiff, traditional portraits.
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