Horse with Head Lowered c. early 1880s - 1890s

Edgar Degas created this bronze sculpture, "Horse with Head Lowered," capturing a fleeting moment with a remarkable sense of observation. The texture of the bronze is rough, almost gestural, giving the impression of a quickly captured study. The form emphasizes a structural understanding of anatomy rather than surface realism. Degas was deeply concerned with depicting movement. Here, the horse's posture—head down, one leg slightly raised—freezes a moment in a continuous cycle. The composition is dynamic; the horse occupies space with a forward momentum, enhanced by the deliberate asymmetry of its limbs. Degas uses form to express a deeper investigation into the nature of perception and representation. In its focus on form and movement, this sculpture invites us to consider how art captures and conveys the essence of life. It's a reminder that art is not just about imitation but about offering new ways of seeing and understanding the world around us.