Copy painting on canvas of the artwork
At the Races, Before the Start (Degas)

This panoramic format painting offers a wide view of a group of jockeys and their mounts preparing before the start. Unlike others of his works on this theme, the palette here is more subdued, dominated by the greens and ochres of the landscape. Degas captures a moment of waiting, of calm tension. The composition is off-center, giving the impression of a snapshot. The horses are depicted in various postures, some restless, others calm, reflecting the realism of the scene. The artist is interested in the elegant lines of the horses and the interaction between men and animals. The technique is fluid, with brushstrokes that sketch the forms and create a naturalistic atmosphere. It is a subtle study of the racing world, far from the drama of competition, but full of the quiet beauty of the preparations.