In this impeccable Edgar Degas The Jockey (Le Jockey), c. 1888-1889, the impressionist artist captures the sport of horse racing, one of his most sought after and memorable themes, in a monochromatic palette of sepia color. Displaying his range and expertise as a draftsman, this artwork showcases the horse and his companion in a variety of positions. This skillful study of the athleticism and musculature of his subject is equally desirable for its beautiful composition which angles quite elegantly in a diagonal across the scene, with each sketch of Le Jockey and the horse progressing in definition with contrast and detail. Much like his celebrated images of the Ballet, Degas's fascination with motion and narrative are captured in rhythmic procession of horses and riders.

Created circa 1888-1889, this crayon lithograph in sepia ink on cream Chine applique is hand signed by Edgar Degas (Paris, 1834- Paris, 1917) in pencil in the lower left margin and also hand signed by G.W. Thornley in pencil in the lower right margin. From the edition of 25, printed by Atelier Becquet, Paris and published by Boussod-Valadon, Paris, this work is exceptionally rare because it is from the deluxe edition of only twenty-five impressions, the only suite of lithographs hand-signed by Degas.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Edgar Degas The Jockey (Le Jockey), c. 1888-1889  is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work).

1. Reed, S. W. & Shapiro, B.S. (1984). Edgar Degas: The Painter as Printmaker. Museum of Fine Arts: Boston. Portfolio detailed on pgs. lviii – lix.

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:

Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Edgar Degas The Jockey (Le Jockey), c. 1888-1889 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.