The Race Begins

Peter Helck is capturing the moment before a race begins in this gouache. The cars are being prepped in front of a barn, awaiting the drivers to take their seats and speed down the surrounding countryside. A driver dressed in black and wearing goggles seems to be imparting some important information to the surrounding intimate crowd that also clearly comprises of gentleman of the press. The driver is in motion and seems rather sure of himself and his automobile. This is clearly a gentleman’s affair and racing was obviously a privilege that belonged to them.