Study of Horses 1880

Edgar Degas created this intimate oil painting, "Study of Horses," sometime during his career, as a private glimpse into the artist's fascination with equine form and movement. Degas, a man of wealth, moved in social circles where horse racing and equestrian culture were signs of status. Yet, rather than depicting grand races or triumphant riders, here he focuses on the horses themselves, capturing their quiet, almost melancholic presence. The muted tones and loose brushwork add to this introspective mood. It's hard not to consider the societal role these animals played, particularly in an era defined by rapid industrial change. Horses were symbols of power and labor, but Degas’s soft, informal approach seems to quietly resist the more conventional, heroic representations. These are not beasts of burden or symbols of aristocracy, but rather creatures rendered with a palpable sense of dignity and inner life. Ultimately, the painting encourages us to consider the lives and experiences of these animals, and to reflect on the complex relationship between humans and the natural world.