Horse Balking (Horse Clearing an Obstacle) c. late 1880s

This is Edgar Degas's sculpture, Horse Balking, made in the late 19th century. The immediate impression is one of dynamic tension; the horse is captured mid-motion, its body a study in angularity. The bronze surface, with its varied patinas, suggests a process of active construction. Degas's interest here lies in the mechanics of motion rather than traditional sculptural ideals of grace. The horse's pose, suspended and slightly awkward, disrupts the conventional heroic equestrian statue. This can be seen as a structuralist approach, where Degas breaks down the established artistic 'grammar' to explore new forms of expression. Consider the line: it's sharp, almost jarring in places, particularly around the horse's tense musculature. The sculpture invites us to think about how art can challenge fixed meanings. It presents an ongoing dialogue between form, movement, and our own perceptual expectations.