Study of a Jockey

Edgar Degas

National Gallery of Art

The image depicts a sketch of a person shown from the side, with their upper body visible down to waist level. The individual is seated, slightly leaning forward, with their shoulders hunched and head inclined forward. Their facial features are drawn in profile, with a sharp nose and a subtle chin line; the shadow of a prominent brow and shaded eye area conveys a contemplative posture. They are wearing a cap that covers the person’s hair and a jacket with a raised collar, accompanied by folds indicating material texture. The background is plain with no additional objects or elements, emphasizing the focus on the figure's posture and clothing. The artist's signature, "Degas," is visible in red in the lower left corner.