The Equilibrist

Performance-wise, The Equilibrist (1878) leaves a desire for more impressive tricks. Émile Reynaud’s animated drawing for the Praxinoscope is predominantly an exercise in depicting movement, focusing attention primarily on the centre of the canvas, where a rotating object is supported by the muscular flexing of the feet. The youthful features of the entertainer allow a clear depiction of concentration, despite the minimal visibility of his face. This short strip aligns with many similar works by Reynaud in demonstrating the fascination with circus acts among early motion picture enthusiasts. As in real life, some performances are unforgettable; others, like this work, are less so.