“The Races in the Bois de Boulogne,” is an oil on canvas genre painting created by Edouard Manet in 1872. This artwork belongs to the Realism movement and measures 73 x 92 cm. The scene depicted takes place in Paris, France, and it currently resides in the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork captures a dynamic scene of a horse race in the Bois de Boulogne, a prominent park in Paris. In the foreground, jockeys are mounted on their horses, poised in action as they race forward, their movement captured vividly by Manet’s brushwork. Behind them, the viewer can discern a bustling crowd, some in carriages, others standing, all intently observing the event. The background features a hazy depiction of trees and structures, adding depth and context to the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the race day. Manet’s application of Realism is evident in the detailed and lifelike portrayal of the figures and activity, conveying both the excitement and the elegance of the scene.
