Plate Number 243. Placing a chair and sitting, parasol in left hand 1887

Eadweard Muybridge's 1887 photographic sequence "Plate Number 243. Placing a chair and sitting, parasol in left hand" is a seminal work in the development of motion studies. The series captures a woman in a flowing dress, performing a simple action - placing a chair and then sitting down. Muybridge's use of multiple cameras allowed him to document the movement in a series of still frames, effectively breaking down the action into its individual components, thus contributing to the emergence of stop-motion and film. This iconic example of the photographic study of motion reveals the scientific side of Muybridge's work, offering a glimpse into the mechanics of human movement.