Plate Number 179. Stepping on and over a rock, a basket on head and right hand raised 1887

Eadweard Muybridge’s “Plate Number 179. Stepping on and over a rock, a basket on head and right hand raised,” from 1887, exemplifies the pioneering photographer’s groundbreaking work in motion studies. This photographic sequence captures a woman in various poses, with the repeated action of stepping over a rock. Muybridge’s photographic studies, known as “animal locomotion,” were revolutionary in their use of rapid shutter speeds, revealing the nuances of human movement in unprecedented detail. This work is a pivotal moment in photographic history, marking the shift from still photography to the cinematic possibilities of capturing movement. The sequence of images, arranged in rows, creates a sense of fluidity and dynamism, offering an intimate glimpse into the mechanics of human motion.