Head of a Horse c. 1878

Edgar Degas made this drawing of a horse's head in France, probably in the late 19th century. The image reminds us that the history of art is always entwined with the history of social class. During this period, the horse was potent with cultural meanings. On the one hand, horses were creatures of labor, essential to agriculture and industry. On the other hand, the horse was also a luxury animal associated with the aristocracy, the military, and, increasingly, the upper-middle class. Horse racing emerged as a popular sport, a site of both spectacle and gambling, which attracted audiences from all social classes. But it was also an important marker of social distinction and prestige. We can learn much more about the culture of the horse through archival research of popular magazines, newspapers, racing schedules, and stud books.