Artwork

Two Sportsmen Mounting Their Horses

Two Sportsmen Mounting Their Horses, by Edgar Degas, ink, 1856
Two Sportsmen Mounting Their Horses, by Edgar Degas, ink, 1856

Two Sportsmen Mounting Their Horses is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Edgar Degas. It dates from 1856 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Two Sportsmen Mounting Their Horses is an etching on China paper created by Edgar Degas in 1856. It is a print that showcases the artist's technical skill and exploration of equestrian themes.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts two men preparing to mount their horses, captured in a moment of quiet anticipation. The simplicity of the background allows the viewer to focus on the figures and their interaction with the horses.

Technique & Style

Degas employed quick, expressive lines to convey movement and texture, particularly in the horses' coats. The rough texture of the paper adds to the sense of spontaneity, suggesting a rapid execution.

History & Provenance

Created in 1856, this work is an early example of Degas' exploration of equestrian themes through printmaking, a medium that allowed him to experiment with technique and capture dynamic moments.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Edgar Degas

Artist

Edgar Degas

Born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas on 19 July 1834 in Paris, Edgar Degas came from an affluent banking family with aristocratic roots and spent his childhood among the cultivated circles of the French capital.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.