The artwork “Jockey” by Edgar Degas, created in 1862, is a prime example of genre painting within the Impressionism art movement. Degas, renowned for his depictions of movement and his study of horses, provides viewers with a dynamic portrayal of a horse and rider in this piece.
The artwork features a jockey mounted on a horse, prominently outlined in a sketch-like manner with blue media on a light background. The horse appears to be in motion, possibly galloping or rearing as the rider seems to lean into the movement, suggesting a sense of action and fluidity that is characteristic of Degas’s interest in capturing motion. The strokes are loose but deliberate, conveying movement and energy. Degas’s signature in red is also noticeable at the bottom left of the composition. The simplicity of the color scheme and the expressive line work typify Degas’s artistic exploration during the early stages of the Impressionism movement.
