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A rendering of a horse standing on its back legs, appearing mid-gallop with a rider on its back.

A composition of a horse and rider, from the perspective of behind the horse. The horse is standing on its back legs, with its front leg bent as if in mid-movement. The back end of the horse is the most prominent, with shaded detail in the long tail and suggestion of muscle definition in its left back leg. The horse wears a light blanket over its torso, on which a rider sits. The rider’s legs and lower back are visible, with their legs straight and heels bent back on the stirrups. The back-side of the horse’s face is lightly drawn. The paper is light brown with small speckles.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
2006.251
People
Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas, French (Paris, France 1834 - 1917 Paris, France)
Title
Horse and Rider
Classification
Prints
Work Type
print
Date
19th-20th century
Culture
French
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/318000

Physical Descriptions

Technique
Monotype
Dimensions
image: 33.02 x 25.4 cm (13 x 10 in.)
sheet: 42 x 30 cm (16 9/16 x 11 13/16 in.)
Inscriptions and Marks
  • Signed: l.l.; degas

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Michael Biddle, AB 1956, in memory of George Biddle, AB 1908, LLB 1911, and Helene Sardeau Biddle
Accession Year
2006
Object Number
2006.251
Division
European and American Art
Contact
am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Commentary
Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas was a renaissance artist living in the nineteenth century, who handily mastered multiple media. In addition to a strong collection of the artist's paintings, drawings, prints, photographs and sculpture, the Fogg owns several Degas monotypes of figures and of landscapes. Indeed, the museum hosted an exhibition on the topic of these rare unique impressions in 1968. The Biddle work shows a horse and its rider from the rear, one of the artist's prevalent themes. The image is truncated at the top, emphasizing the mount over its rider. Degas catches the animal in mid-stride-as if it is about to canter out of the picture plane, an impression that is only exaggerated by the free delineation of both figures.

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of European and American Art at am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu