Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"At the Races," executed around 1875, is a notable work by the French artist Édouard Manet. This piece captures the lively atmosphere of the racetrack, a subject that fascinated Manet and many of his contemporaries in the Impressionist movement. The painting depicts the thrill and elegance of equestrian sports, combining Manet's keen observational skills with his innovative brushwork and use of color.

- Foreground: The foreground of the painting features elegantly dressed spectators, a common sight at the racetrack during the 19th century. Men and women, depicted in fashionable attire of the period, are shown in mid-conversation and gesture, capturing the social aspect of the event.
- Figures: The use of loose brushstrokes conveys the casual yet sophisticated demeanor of the spectators. Their expressions and postures are rendered with a fluidity that suggests movement and activity.
- Middle Ground: Behind the spectators, we see the racehorses, poised and in the midst of action. The power and speed of the horses are communicated through dynamic lines and vigorous brushwork, which contrasts with the more static figures of the humans.
- Background: The background fades into softer hues and blurs, emphasizing the depth and expanse of the racetrack. Manet's technique here hints at the atmospheric influences of the day, perhaps a slightly overcast yet bright environment typical for such outdoor events.

Manet employs a palette that balances softer, muted tones with more vivid accents. The use of light is particularly masterful, highlighting the shimmering silks of the jockeys' uniforms and the glossy coats of the horses. Light and shadow play across the scene, adding to the sense of immediacy and realism. The juxtaposition of light and dark areas enhances the painting's overall dynamism.

Manet’s technique in "At the Races" demonstrates his transition from Realism towards Impressionism. His signature broad brushstrokes and the strategic application of color create a sense of movement and spontaneity. Manet was known for his ability to capture fleeting moments, and this painting exemplifies that skill.

- Era and Influence: Created during a time when horse racing was gaining popularity in Paris, "At the Races" reflects the social and cultural milieu of the late 19th century. Many artists of the Impressionist movement, including Edgar Degas, were also fascinated by similar themes of modern life and leisure activities.
- Manet's Career: This painting aligns with Manet's broader oeuvre, which often depicted contemporary Parisian life. Unlike his earlier, more controversial works that challenged academic norms, "At the Races" is more aligned with the aesthetic sensibilities of the Impressionists.
- Artistic Movements: Manet, often considered a bridge between Realism and Impressionism, plays with composition and technique in this painting. The emphasis on open-air light and the casual snapshot-like quality places Manet at the cusp of the emerging Impressionist movement.

The original painting "At the Races" by Édouard Manet is housed in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. It is part of their esteemed collection, which includes works by many pioneering artists of the 19th century.

This painting offers insight into Manet's development as an artist who valiantly captured the vibrancy of modern life. It stands as a testament to his innovative spirit and his pivotal role in the evolution of modern art.

"At the Races (c.1875)" by Édouard Manet is an evocative representation of a day at the racetrack, painted with a masterful blend of observational precision and innovative technique. This work contributes to our understanding of Manet as a transformative figure in the history of art, capturing both the literal and social dynamism of his time.