Before the Race

"Before the Race" (1882–1884) by Edgar Degas exemplifies his interest in Impressionism and genre painting, depicting a lively scene of young women preparing for a horse race. Painted using oil on a panel, the work captures Degas's fascination with equestrian subjects, a recurring theme since the 1860s. The composition's dynamic perspective and delicate brushwork reflect the Impressionist focus on momentary effects of light and movement, bringing an immediacy to this lively and intimate scene.