Horses in the Meadow (Chevaux dans la prairie) 1891 - 1892

Edgar Degas made this print, "Horses in the Meadow", using etching, a process that mirrored the precision and control he valued as a member of the French upper class. Degas, although associated with the Impressionists, maintained a critical distance from their focus on fleeting moments and the radical shifts in French society at the time. His equestrian scenes often reflect a fascination with the perceived nobility and the social status associated with horses. Yet, we might ask: What does it mean to focus on horses in a rapidly industrializing world? Degas’ choice to depict horses can be viewed as an assertion of traditional values in a time of immense social upheaval. However, there's a tenderness in the way these animals are rendered, a softness that transcends mere representation of status. There’s a palpable sense of the artist's hand, a connection to the subject that speaks to a deeper emotional engagement. Ultimately, "Horses in the Meadow" serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in portraying idealized subjects amidst a changing world.