The Races

Edouard Manet

1865–72, published 1884 · Lithograph on chine collé; third state of three · Drawings and Prints

During the Second Empire, horseracing was in vogue and the racetrack at Longchamps became a gathering place for fashionable society. A frequent subject of articles in the popular press and of many popular prints, the races drew an elegant crowd of aristocrats and wealthy prostitutes who mingled with bookmakers and bettors. Manet's print is distinctive for its dramatic departure from the traditional lateral view of the horses in favor of a radically foreshortened frontal view of the animals galloping directly toward the spectator posted at one of the curves.

Artist

Edouard Manet

Date

1865–72, published 1884

Medium

Lithograph on chine collé; third state of three

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1920