The Skipping-Rope

The sensation of infinite motion created by Émile Reynaud’s praxinoscope is best exemplified in "The Skipping-Rope" (1878), a work ultimately designed to promote an invention that dared to make static pictures move at lifelike speed. This rudimentary sequence strips animation down to its bare bones by focusing on a limited range of movements, namely the repetitive jumping action triggered by the flexing of the arms holding the skipping rope. This illusion is further enhanced by the rhythmic movement of the girl’s pigtails, while the ribbons in her hair resemble flying butterflies. As always, Reynaud’s art surprises with its meticulous attention to detail.