Woman Hopping on One Foot

Part of Eadweard Muybridge’s studies on locomotion, Woman Hopping on One Foot (1887) clearly demonstrates the scientific purpose of his work. Shot from the front, back, and side, the woman is seen hopping on her left foot, her body tilting slightly, while her arms carefully maintain balance with each movement. Even if the same action can be easily perceived with the naked eye, the use of these photographs facilitates the description of the act when employed as educational material. When animated, the sequence further informs the learner of the particularities of human motion whilst balancing on one leg. Muybridge’s work always straddles the fine line between the scientific and the artistic. This short, though containing strong framing, falls decisively into the former camp.