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Description of the artwork
Work: At the Races: Before the Start
Artist: Edgar Degas
Year: 1888
Museum: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Dimensions: 90 x 40 cm
Major Exhibitions: Paul Durand-Ruel, the Bet of Impressionism
Created in 1888, at the heart of the Belle Époque, this painting is rooted in the Impressionist movement, a true reflection of an era where art and everyday life meet. This canvas, currently exhibited at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, measures 90 x 40 cm and captures the excitement of horse racing, an iconic scene of Parisian life in the 19th century.
“Life is a race, and art is the spectator waiting.” said Degas. Inspired by the sounds of hooves and the murmurs of the spectators, he captures the bittersweet moment of an imminent start. This moment before the tension can be felt in every brushstroke of this painting, where the vibrant air of excitement fills the canvas.
In this canvas, Degas captures the slightly electric tranquility of a scene before a race. The characters prepare, their thoughts the fruit of a palpable anticipation, while the arena is charged with energy. This masterpiece revolves around a subtle dynamic, playing on the contrast between agitation and stillness, a reflection on the intensity of life.
“At the Races: Before the Start” is a centerpiece of Degas' maturity, where the artist frees himself from the constraints of Realism to explore new perspectives. This painting dialogues with works like “The Dance Class” and “The Horse Race,” showing his evolution towards a poetic abstraction that seeks to capture more of the human essence.
Degas, with his refined technique, uses layered glazes to create striking depth. Each brushstroke on this canvas contains the very essence of the moment. The skillful use of impasto reveals an airy and lively gesture, bringing a warm luminosity, paying tribute to the immediacy of the scene.
The palette sparkles with delicate shades, each hue evoking distinct emotions such as the melancholy of departure and collective excitement. The carefully selected pigments, a vibrant Prussian blue and a rich alizarin crimson, create bursts of light that illuminate the gaze of the spectators, confining the painting in an almost palpable atmosphere.
Each reproduction of this canvas is the result of meticulous artisanal work. Hand-painted with museum-quality oils on linen canvas, each sketch is designed to maintain the original proportions and style. The artists invest nearly 40 hours, divided between sketching, layers of color, and finishing, to restore the magic of this masterpiece.
The application of a protective anti-UV varnish ensures exceptional durability, preserving the warmth and vibrancy of the colors for generations to come. This reproduction is not just a simple copy; it is a living pictorial work, ready to convey the authentic emotion of the original.
Your canvas comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity, guaranteeing its value. We ensure it is meticulously packaged: rolled in a textile case, protected by a reinforced tube and tissue paper, for optimal security.
Choose from our premium framing options: satin black gallery frame, gold leaf wood, light oak, or modern floating frame. Each option is designed to enhance the canvas and harmoniously complete your interior.
This painting evokes deep feelings of nostalgia and passion. It whispers stories of life, back to the starting line, reflecting a quest for identity and what it truly means to live in the present. This canvas becomes an intimate reflection, a space conducive to writing one's own story.
Imagine this canvas adorning a bright living room, adding a touch of elegance to your library or creating a poetic cocoon in a bedroom. Pair it with materials: washed linen, natural wood, white marble. Evoke atmospheres that resonate with the painting: the soft morning light, a hushed evening silence, a shadow cast on an old parquet floor…
🎨 Oil painting on linen or cotton canvas
👨🎨 Hand reproduced by expert artists
📜 Numbered certificate of authenticity included
🖼️ Custom premium frames available
⏱️ Completion in 10 to 15 business days
📦 Secure delivery in 3 to 5 business days worldwide
Gift yourself a masterpiece, to beautify your space and nourish your spirit. This oil painting, hand-crafted, is a treasure of emotion ready to become your visual legacy.
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Hand-painted reproduction
Each reproduction is designed to capture the spirit of the original work while adapting to your interior, your format, and your expectations.
This reproduction allows you to incorporate the spirit of a masterpiece into your décor, with a strong and elegant presence.
The canvas is executed in oil by an artist, with attention paid to colors, details, and the balance of the composition.
Choose a standard format or request a custom size to integrate the artwork naturally into your space.
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Select the desired size before ordering.
Your reproduction is hand-painted in oil.
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You receive your canvas rolled, protected, and shipped with tracking.