Studio Interior with 'The Steeplechase' 1881

Edgar Degas made this painting, Studio Interior with 'The Steeplechase', using oil paints and techniques typical of the late 19th century. But it's in his subject matter that he really challenged expectations. Note the energy of the scene, and its implied narrative. One horse and rider leap forward, while another has fallen. The Steeplechase depicts a moment of risk and physical strain, and it also reflects the economic forces at play in the sport of horse racing, which became increasingly popular at this time. Degas was fascinated by the spectacle of modern life, and he often depicted scenes of labor and leisure. In this case, he seems interested in the precariousness of both, the unpredictable outcome for both horse and rider. The painting is unfinished; Degas left many works in this state. By focusing on the world of making, and the social contexts it reflects, we gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of his work.