Racehorses (study for "Scene from the Steeplechase: The Fallen Jockey") c. 1881

Edgar Degas likely made this study for “Scene from the Steeplechase: The Fallen Jockey” in the late 19th century, using graphite on paper. The use of graphite allows for a remarkable sense of immediacy, capturing fleeting moments with swift, energetic lines. The texture of the paper becomes integral to the drawing, its slight graininess contrasting with the smooth, reflective quality of the graphite. Degas’s choice of material speaks to a broader context of artistic practice, as he embraced the accessibility and directness of drawing as a primary mode of exploration. He moves away from the formal polish of academic painting. The sketch embodies a spirit of experimentation and observation, blurring the lines between preparatory study and finished work. By focusing on the raw materiality of graphite and paper, Degas invites us to reconsider traditional hierarchies within the art world. The work challenges conventional distinctions between craft and fine art.