Studies of a Horse 1868 - 1875

Edgar Degas made this drawing, Studies of a Horse, with graphite on paper. The texture of the paper plays a crucial role here. Notice how the strokes of graphite catch on the surface, creating a sense of movement. This contributes to the overall impression of a living, breathing animal, and the use of delicate lines to convey the animal’s form suggests the artist’s understanding of anatomy. The choice of graphite, a readily available and relatively inexpensive material, speaks to the artist’s working methods. It is a medium of exploration and iteration, suited to the study of a subject over time. This emphasis on the process of drawing, rather than the creation of a finished masterpiece, aligns with the broader shift towards valuing artistic experimentation in the late 19th century. This elevation of process over product blurred the lines between fine art and other forms of creative practice.