The Races by Edgar Degas. A group of jockeys in colorful silks on horseback gather in a grassy field before a distant town with industrial smokestacks under a broad, hazy sky.

The Races

Edgar Degas

1871 · Oil Paint, Canvas

A masterfully atmospheric scene by Edgar Degas capturing the quiet anticipation of jockeys on a racecourse.

$243

For the selected configuration

From $129

6 frame sizes

Frame size
Frame color
Mount
Paper type
Glaze

Made to order in ~2 business days · Free U.S. standard shipping (typically 5–8 business days after dispatch)

Where it works

A balanced artwork with steady presence with cool gray restraint — holds a wall without competing for attention.

Often works in
Living Room · Office · Study
Placement
Works well as a measured horizontal anchor
Walls
Best with clear wall contrast
Color notes
Soft gray, Charcoal black, Rich brown

About the piece

In 'The Races,' Edgar Degas explores the modern spectacle of horse racing through a uniquely Impressionist lens. Rather than depicting the frenetic energy of the race itself, Degas focuses on the moments of waiting, with jockeys in vibrant silks set against a vast, moody sky and a distant industrial landscape. This 1871 work showcases his characteristic interest in movement and contemporary French life, rendered with a sophisticated palette of muted greens, earths, and atmospheric grays.