Jockeys in the Rain 1886

Editor: Here we have Degas' "Jockeys in the Rain," created around 1886, primarily in pastel. There's something muted about it, almost unfinished, despite the dynamic subject. What strikes you most about this work? Curator: It's compelling to consider the socio-economic forces at play. These aren't simply horses and riders; it's a visual representation of leisure, wealth, and the spectacle of racing—activities often fueled by the labor of many unseen. Note the pastel medium. It allowed for quick execution and potentially a degree of reproducibility through lithography for mass audiences. Editor: So, it's less about the beauty of the scene, and more about…the means of its creation and consumption? Curator: Precisely! Consider the implications of readily available pastel sticks in relation to traditional oil paints. Pastel democratized art making to some extent. How might the relatively light strokes of pastel mirror or comment on the fleeting nature of impressionist artistic philosophy? The 'sketchy' nature reinforces the work as commentary, almost an illustration, rather than a glorification of equine prowess. Editor: That reframes it for me. It isn't just capturing a moment; it's reflecting the cultural significance of the moment, and how mass production affected it. Curator: Exactly. And that's what I appreciate most about "Jockeys in the Rain." It speaks volumes about the production and consumerism inherent within the society and how it influenced art itself. Editor: I see what you mean, I didn’t consider pastel a reflection of the society like that! Curator: Exploring materiality helps us look critically and investigate further.