Horses in a Meadow 1871

Edgar Degas painted this oil on canvas, ‘Horses in a Meadow,’ at a time when the Industrial Revolution was transforming the French landscape and social structures. Here, Degas juxtaposes pastoral imagery with signs of industrialization; observe the steamboats on the river, their presence hinting at broader changes in society. The painting invites us to consider the relationship between humans, nature, and industry. Degas was part of the Parisian Bourgeoisie, a social class that both benefitted from and was alienated by the changes in French society. Though known for his paintings of ballet dancers, Degas often looked to the horse as subject matter. Horses were viewed as symbols of power and wealth, but Degas focuses on them at rest, inviting quiet reflection. The painting's soft brushstrokes and muted tones evoke a feeling of tranquility, yet the intrusion of industry suggests an underlying tension. In this way, Degas captures the emotional ambivalence of a society in transition, reminding us of the complex ways in which progress can impact our relationship with the natural world.