Focus on this artwork and analyze the History.
Horse racing became a popular pastime in 19th century France under Louis-Philippe and Napoleon III.  Degas began admiring horses while visiting friends in Normandy.  Over the course of his career it is reported that he created 45 oils, 20 pastels, 250 drawings, and 17 sculptures related to horses. Degas was eager to know horses in anatomical detail.  As a student, Degas had filled his notebooks with drawings of horses.  During a tour of breeding farms with Paul Valpincon and after exposure to horse races, Degas appreciated the movement of the horses and the colors of the jockeys uniforms.  He wanted to make his paintings seem spontaneous as if he'd captured a passing moment.  Before the Race is one of three identically titled paintings from the early 1880s. One was purchased in 1881 by David W. T. Cargill through Alexander Reid (who was dealer for much of Degas' work) for £2100.During this time Degas was reported to have a full sized stuffed horse in his studio.  This version is part of the collection of The Walters Art Museum, the other two are part of the collections of Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute and the Mrs. John Hay Whitney Collection.
The Walters Art Museum David W. T. Cargill Alexander Reid Walters Art Museum Paul Valpincon