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"Before the Race" by Edgar Degas is a masterfully composed portrayal of a tranquil yet intense moment just moments prior to a horse race. The painting magnificently captures the tension, energy, and anticipation palpable among both the jockeys and their horses. Degas utilizes a harmonious blend of pastel colors with a keen emphasis on movement and form.

- Composition: The scene is set outdoors on a racetrack. The focus is prominently on the jockeys donned in colorful silks, mounted on their restless horses. The careful arrangement of the figures creates a rhythmic flow that guides the viewer’s eye across the canvas.
- Color Palette: Degas employs a softened but vibrant array of colors. Earthy tones dominate the ground, while the jockeys' attire features vivid splashes of red, blue, and green, creating a striking contrast.
- Techniques and Style: Degas' characteristic use of pastels is showcased here, with textures that are both dynamic and delicate. The fluid lines and soft brushwork convey motion and the fleeting nature of the pre-race moment expertly.
- Perspective and Light: The perspective is slightly elevated, offering an encompassing view of the racetrack, enhancing the sense of anticipation. Subtle light and shadow play render a naturalistic feel to the figures and the environment, capturing the essence of late afternoon light.

- Location: The original painting "Before the Race" by Edgar Degas is housed at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts.
- Edgar Degas (1834–1917): Degas is a prominent figure in the Impressionist movement, though he preferred to label himself a "Realist" or "Independent." Renowned for his depiction of movement, particularly in ballet dancers and horse races, Degas' work is characterized by his innovative use of perspective and his meticulous draftsmanship.
- Artistic Context: This painting was created during the late period of Degas' career, a time when he shifted focus predominantly to pastels. His exploration of horse racing themes fits within a broader tradition of 19th-century French artists who were fascinated by the sport, a symbol of modern life and leisure. Degas’ interest in capturing motion and the scene’s fleeting nature is reflective of the Impressionist preoccupation with modernity and transitory moments.
- Historical and Artistic Significance: "Before the Race" stands as a testament to Degas' ability to capture life in motion, embodying both the vigor and the elegance of the subject. This painting also showcases Degas’ departure from the more formal, academic techniques of earlier art in favor of capturing the immediacy and fluidity of life.

- Emphasis on Realism: Despite being grouped with the Impressionists, Degas incorporates a realist approach with meticulously drawn figures and an anatomical accuracy that reflects extensive study and observation.
- Innovative Use of Medium: Degas was revolutionary in his use of pastels, achieving a vibrancy and texture that mimicked both the immediacy of his sketches and the depth of his oil paintings.
- Posture and Expression: The postures of the jockeys and the horses are rendered with remarkable detail, reflecting their readiness and the controlled energy prior to the race, an often-overlooked aspect that speaks volumes about the artist’s observational acumen.
- Connection to Leisure and Modernity: Degas’ frequent portrayals of horse races present an aspect of contemporary leisure life in late 19th-century France, aligning his work with broader societal themes.

In essence, "Before the Race" encapsulates Edgar Degas' distinctive style and thematic interests, marking it as a significant piece within his oeuvre and the broader Impressionist movement.