At the Races the Start Edgar Degas (1834-1917)

The canvas presents a scene of considerable activity and social engagement centered around a horse races commencement. Here we see a group of horses, each ridden by a jockey in distinct colors – blue, yellow, red, and brown – poised at the starting line. The animals are depicted with an energetic restlessness, their bodies tense and ready to surge forward. Their musculature is rendered with a focus on realism, conveying both power and potential for swift movement.
The foreground is dominated by this immediate action, while the background reveals a large gathering of spectators arrayed across a gently sloping field. The crowd’s attire suggests a society preoccupied with fashion and leisure; women are adorned in elaborate dresses and bonnets, men sport top hats and tailored coats. This assembly creates a sense of occasion and underscores the social significance of the event.
The artist has employed a muted palette, primarily consisting of earthy tones – greens, browns, and grays – which contribute to an atmosphere of subdued realism. The sky is overcast, lending a slightly melancholic quality to the scene while also softening the overall light. A yellow flag signals the impending start, drawing the eye towards the focal point of the composition.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a race, the painting hints at broader social commentary. The contrast between the focused intensity of the jockeys and horses and the leisurely enjoyment of the spectators suggests a distinction in purpose and class. The vastness of the crowd also implies a widespread interest in this form of entertainment, potentially reflecting societal values surrounding spectacle and competition.
The framing – a dark border that crops off portions of the scene – creates a sense of immediacy and limits the viewers perspective, as if witnessing the event from within the throng. This compositional choice further emphasizes the dynamism of the moment and invites engagement with the unfolding action.