Who painted Au Grand Prix de Paris (At the Grand Prix de Paris)?

Au Grand Prix de Paris (At the Grand Prix de Paris) was painted by Childe Hassam in 1887.

Where can I see Au Grand Prix de Paris (At the Grand Prix de Paris)?

Au Grand Prix de Paris (At the Grand Prix de Paris) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Au Grand Prix de Paris (At the Grand Prix de Paris)?

Au Grand Prix de Paris (At the Grand Prix de Paris) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Au Grand Prix de Paris (At the Grand Prix de Paris)?

Museum-quality prints of Au Grand Prix de Paris (At the Grand Prix de Paris) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Au Grand Prix de Paris (At the Grand Prix de Paris)

Childe Hassam , 1887

Au Grand Prix de Paris (At the Grand Prix de Paris) is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Childe Hassam. It dates from 1887 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1887, this drawing captures a horse race at the Grand Prix de Paris.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower left in pastel: Childe Hassam 1887

About this work

This painting shows a horse race in Paris. The track is full of motion. The horses and riders blur together in pastels.

Hassam painted this in 1887. Pastels let him mix colors right on the paper. The bright sky feels like spring. The crowd’s hats add splashes of color.

Look at how the pastels mix. It’s looser than oil paint. Check out Hassam, Childe next.

Overview

Created in 1887, this drawing captures a horse race at the Grand Prix de Paris. Executed with pastel over a graphite underdrawing on paperboard that has been coated with sawdust, the work conveys the bustling energy of the event through a lively palette and swift, gestural marks.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a crowded racetrack where horses and riders merge into a blur of motion, suggesting the speed and excitement of the competition. Spectators in the stands, identifiable by their colorful hats, add a festive, communal atmosphere, reinforcing the celebratory spirit of a springtime sporting spectacle.

Technique & Style

Hassam employed pastel directly on the prepared surface, allowing him to blend hues on the paper and achieve soft transitions of sky and foliage. The underlying graphite sketch provides structural guidance, while the loose application of pastel creates a sense of immediacy, characteristic of his impressionistic approach to light and movement.

Context

The drawing reflects the popularity of horse racing in late‑19th‑century Paris, a social event that attracted both aristocratic and middle‑class audiences. By choosing a medium that emphasizes rapid, on‑site observation, Hassam aligns himself with contemporary trends that favored capturing fleeting moments in urban and leisure settings.