The artwork titled “Amateur Jockey” was created by the artist Edgar Degas in the year 1870. This piece is a fine example of Degas’ work in the medium of brush and Indian ink and is attributed to the Impressionist movement. Classified under the genre of sketch and study, the artwork depicts a moment poignant with movement and expression.
Upon examining the artwork, one is immediately struck by the dynamic pose of the subject, an amateur jockey, who appears deeply focused on the task at hand. The jockey is captured in an intimate moment of preparation or perhaps contemplation, with the fluidity of the brush strokes suggesting movement and a casual immediacy typical of sketches. Degas’ use of Indian ink provides a stark contrast between the figure and the faintly marked background, which is left largely undefined, drawing the viewer’s attention squarely to the jockey.
The figure is hunched over, possibly adjusting the harness or reins, as indicated by the lines that extend from his hands. His attire includes a formal top hat, further emphasizing the era and social context surrounding the equestrian subject. The artwork demonstrates not only Degas’ skill in conveying the human figure but also his interest in the world of horse racing, a recurring theme in his oeuvre. The loose, rapid execution of the artwork embodies the spontaneity and essence of the Impressionist movement, aiming to capture a fleeting moment with an emphasis on light, movement, and everyday life.
