Degas at the Races (Exhibition Poster featuring 'Racehorses in a Landscape')
Exhibition Poster (Offset Lithographic Print) on paper • Original painting by Edgar Degas; Poster designed for the National Gallery of Art, Washington
Style & Movement
Impressionism (original style); Modern Graphic Design (poster format)
Medium & Technique
Mechanical offset lithography; reproduction of an original oil on canvas painting
Creation Period
1998
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 36 x 24 inches; Landscape format within a rectangular frame
Subject Description
A group of jockeys on horseback traversing a grassy landscape against a backdrop of distant, pink-hued hills. The composition is cropped in a modern, photographic manner typical of Degas.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (visible reflections and potential minor rippling under glass; colors appear somewhat muted possibly due to light exposure)
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$25 - $75 USD
Provenance History
Acquired from or produced for the 'Degas at the Races' exhibition at the National Gallery of Art, Washington (April 12 - July 12, 1998)
Art Historical Significance
Represents the popular legacy of Edgar Degas as a master of equestrian subjects and the 19th-century fascination with the spectacle of horse racing. This specific poster commemorates a major scholarly retrospective of his work at a premier national institution.
Notable Features
Features the official exhibition typeface and dating: 'National Gallery of Art, Washington April 12-July 12, 1998.' Includes the corporate sponsor credit for First Union Corporation at the bottom.
Condition Issues
Visible glare from the glass indicates no anti-reflective coating; potential fading from UV exposure; minor rippling of the paper support in the upper corners.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend replacing standard glass with UV-protective museum glass to prevent further fading; ensure the poster is mounted with acid-free materials to avoid yellowing.