Eadweard Muybridge was an English photographer who pioneered motion studies to determine if the hooves of a galloping horse did indeed leave the ground at the same time. The subsequent motion studies resulted in a few inventions, and are also credited with being the precursor of motion pictures. As if this weren’t enough, his personal story is so sordid, you would think it was a high drama novel.

If you are unfamiliar with his name, I am sure you have seen his work at some point. Personally, I find Muybridge’s work fascinating since one of my favorite things is when art and science collide. His motion studies certainly checks those boxes. In fact, he seemed to devote himself to motion studies and that work illustrates the quote we are sharing today, because his studies are a perfect illustration of seeking “the truth by independent observation…”.

The Quote

What do you think of this quote attributed to Eadweard Muybridge? Multi-layered don’t you think? The more I try to unpack it and all the various meanings, the more it transcends only one application, and the more it encompasses application beyond art.

Your Turn

First, if you are unfamiliar with his motion studies, do you think all four hooves of a galloping horse leave the ground at the same time, or does one, two (or more) hooves remain on the ground during a gallop? (HINT: You can find the answer in the linked video.)

Secondly, I’m interested in what you think of this quote after you sit with it for a minute.

Lastly, I have included links below to a few previous blog posts about Eadweard Muybridge in case you would like to read more.