The Race Track (Death on a Pale Horse), c. 1896–1908. Albert Pinkham Ryder (American, 1847-1917). Oil on canvas; framed: x 102 x cm (33 1/4 x 40 3/16 x 2 9/16 in.); unframed: x 90 cm (27 3/4 x 35 7/16 in.). Ryder’s subject was inspired by a horse race that took place in New York during 1888. One of the artist’s friends wagered $500 on the race and then committed suicide after the horse lost. Medieval symbolism infuses the composition: death appears as a skeleton on horseback holding a scythe with which he cuts down the living, while a snake-a sign of temptation and evil-slithers
The Race Track (Death on a Pale Horse), c. 1896–1908. Albert Pinkham Ryder (American, 1847-1917). Oil on canvas; framed: x 102 x cm (33 1/4 x 40 3/16 x 2 9/16 in.); unframed: x 90 cm (27 3/4 x 35 7/16 in.). Ryder’s subject was inspired by a horse race that took place in New York during 1888. One of the artist’s friends wagered $500 on the race and then committed suicide after the horse lost. Medieval symbolism infuses the composition: death appears as a skeleton on horseback holding a scythe with which he cuts down the living, while a snake-a sign of temptation and evil-slithers in the foreground. An intense man, Ryder worked on the painting for several years and was deeply reluctant to part with it.
Size: 3400px × 2685px
Photo credit: © CMA/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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