The Start of the Hunt 1865

Edgar Degas painted "The Start of the Hunt" at an unknown date using oil on canvas. Degas was an upper-class Parisian whose work often depicted the leisure activities of the bourgeoisie, such as horse racing and ballet. Here, we see the beginning of a fox hunt, a popular pastime among the European elite. These hunts were highly ritualized events that showcased the wealth and status of the participants. Note the bright red coats of the riders and the well-groomed horses, clear indicators of their affluence. Degas, however, doesn't seem interested in glorifying the spectacle. Instead, he captures a quiet moment of anticipation before the chase begins. Consider the role of animals in this scene. Horses are reduced to a means of transportation for wealthy men. Foxes are positioned as prey in a cruel game. Degas subtly critiques the social hierarchy. "The Start of the Hunt" invites us to reflect on our own relationship to power, privilege, and the natural world.