The Start of the Hunt

"The Start of the Hunt" by Edgar Degas (c.1863 - c.1865) exemplifies his early exploration of genre painting within the Impressionism movement. Executed in oil on canvas, the work captures a lively, intimate moment of women preparing for a hunt, highlighting Degas’smastery of capturing everyday social scenes. While Degas is renowned for his focus on movement and modern life, this piece reflects his keen eye for human interaction and atmosphere, much like the empathetic and private subjects often portrayed by contemporary artists such as Mary Cassatt.