Jokeys Training 1890

Edgar Degas made this painting, called "Jokeys Training", with oil paints on canvas. Rather than smoothly blending his brushstrokes, Degas built up the image from many short strokes. If you look closely, you can see how the strokes of paint create a sense of movement. Degas was fascinated by the world of horse racing. It was a world of glamour and wealth but also hard work. Horses had to be constantly trained, jockeys were often injured, and stable workers toiled long hours. The pastel sticks allowed him to quickly capture his observations of the track and the people who worked there. His choice of materials and his loose, informal style gave the work a sense of immediacy, as if he had just captured a fleeting moment. By using these materials and techniques, Degas brings to life the energy and dynamism of the racetrack. He also hints at the labor and the social dynamics that underpinned this exciting spectacle. This invites us to consider the relationship between labor, leisure, and art in the modern world.