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Plate Number 131. Descending stairs, waving hand

Eadweard Muybridge

National Gallery of Art

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.

Artwork Details

Date
1887
Medium
collotype
Dimensions
4161 × 1916 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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