At the Races - The Start by Degas

This dramatic oil on canvas work by the impressionist artist Degas Edgar captures the fashionable excitement of a racetrack under the temporary title “At the Races - The Start”. Representative of modern Parisian life at the turn of the century, this unique work illustrates the striking contrast between popular celebration and an impending summer storm. The creative artist combines acute social realism and a highly dramatic atmosphere.

In the foreground, three jockeys mounted on spirited horses advance in profile on a dark green lawn of the racecourse. Their yellow, red, and white satin jackets provide bright touches of color that contrast sharply with the dark background of the crowd. Behind them, a dense crowd of spectators dressed in black and white presses along the racetrack barrier to watch the upcoming event. In the background, under a deeply threatening and inky sky laden with heavy dark gray storm clouds, the sea and a light coastline can be seen in the distance. The pale light before the storm illuminates the entire scene.

The artist demonstrates his exceptional expertise by capturing the heavy, electric atmosphere of a stormy afternoon. His virtuoso technique is evident in the rendering of the horses’ coats and the way the bright jackets stand out against the dark tones.