The riderless horse race, the most exciting event of the Roman carnival, captivated a number of artists and writers, among them Gericault and Goethe. This is a sketch for a painting of 1820 (private collection). It depicts the dramatic start of the mile-and-a-half race along the length of the Corso, from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia. Just before they are released, grooms strain to control the small, half-wild Barberi horses, who have been roused by the cheering crowds and the riders' spurs. Vernet witnessed the event during his first trip to Rome. He is said to have included portraits of other French painters then in the city among the spectators in the stands.

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