Alexander and Bucephalus 1861 - 1862

"Alexander and Bucephalus" (1861-1862) by Edgar Degas depicts the young Alexander the Great taming the wild horse Bucephalus. The scene is set against a landscape with a rocky outcrop in the background and several onlookers in the foreground, some sitting and others standing with a hint of excitement. Degas uses loose brushstrokes and a muted color palette, capturing the dynamic energy of the moment. This early work by the artist foreshadows his later explorations of movement and light in the context of ballet and horse racing. The subject matter, referencing a famous historical event, and the use of a muted, yet expressive palette, are signature elements of Degas’s artistic style.