Plate Number 40. Walking and throwing a handkerchief over shoulders 1887

Eadweard Muybridge's "Plate Number 40. Walking and throwing a handkerchief over shoulders" (1887) is a striking example of his pioneering work in photographic motion studies. The image captures a woman in a series of twelve sequential frames, each meticulously capturing a distinct phase of her movement as she walks and throws a handkerchief over her shoulders. This groundbreaking technique, employing a battery of cameras triggered by trip wires, revolutionized the understanding of motion and paved the way for modern cinema. This work exemplifies Muybridge's innovative approach to photography, pushing the boundaries of the medium and solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the development of the visual arts.