Plate Number 131. Descending stairs, waving hand

1887

Eadweard Muybridge

Associated Names
Eadweard Muybridge

Artist, American, born England, 1830 - 1904

The image shows a sequence of two sets of photographs displaying a full-body view of a nude woman. In the first set, she is descending steps, while in the second set, she is captured from the side as she steps down from a platform onto the ground. Her body is shown completely in each frame, with slight variations in her pose as part of a motion study. Her short hair appears neatly styled back, and facial features are neutral with no visible jewelry. The background consists of a plain dark curtain or similar material, providing a blank backdrop that contrasts the subject, highlighting each movement through the sequence. The lighting is consistent throughout the sequence, emphasizing the form and movement of the subject against the backdrop.

Media Options

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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Eadweard Muybridge, Philadelphia, PA; purchased by the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1887; acquired by NGA, 2014.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

printed, lower center underneath image in black ink: ANIMAL LOCOMOTION. PLATE. 131 / Copyright, 1887, by EADWEARD MUYBRIDGE. All rights reserved.; on verso, by Corcoran Gallery of Art, lower left in red pencil: 87.7.131


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