Plate Number 181. Stepping over a fence 1887

This photographic study of a woman stepping over a fence was made by Eadweard Muybridge, using a technique called chronophotography. Essentially, he rigged up a series of cameras to capture sequential images of movement. Look closely at the detail, captured through the silver gelatin process, each frame freezing a moment that the human eye simply cannot perceive. There’s a strange tension here: on the one hand, this was purely scientific work, intended to understand the mechanics of motion, and related to the development of more efficient machines. On the other hand, the artistry of Muybridge's undertaking shouldn't be overlooked. Setting up the cameras, timing their shutters, processing the photographic plates to reveal the images – it all required an acute sensitivity. Think, too, about the labor of the woman, repeatedly stepping over the fence in order to furnish this document. In the end, we have to appreciate the whole complex process, bringing together technology, artistry, and human effort. And in so doing, we recognize the true ingenuity of Muybridge's image.