Plate Number 146. Descending stairs and turning, a water jar on left shoulder 1887

Eadweard Muybridge made this photographic print of a woman descending stairs with a water jar in the late 19th century. It is one of many motion studies he conducted. These photographs speak to the scientific and artistic interests of the time. In the Victorian era, there was a growing fascination with understanding the mechanics of the human body. Muybridge’s work offered a new way to dissect movement, capturing moments invisible to the naked eye. But it was not made in a vacuum. Consider the institutional history of photography. It was gaining recognition as a legitimate tool for scientific research, as well as an art form. Photographers such as Muybridge pushed the boundaries of this new medium, contributing to both its scientific and artistic development. By studying the movement of a female figure, he also perpetuated the tradition of the nude in art. Understanding the social and institutional contexts surrounding the artwork is essential for appreciating its significance. By consulting historical documents, scientific publications, and art criticism, we can better understand the complex interplay of science, art, and society.