About

Born as Edward Muggeridge, he later changed his name to Eadweard Muybridge to reflect his Anglo-Saxon heritage. Muybridge is best known for his series of photographs capturing the motion of animals and humans, a project commissioned by the wealthy industrialist Leland Stanford. Muybridge's most famous study, "The Horse in Motion," conclusively settled a debate among scientists about whether all four hooves of a running horse are off the ground at the same time. Through a groundbreaking set-up of multiple cameras triggered by trip wires, Muybridge captured a series of individual images that demonstrated the horse's complete suspension during the gallop. This achievement led Muybridge to develop his "zoopraxiscope," a device for projecting the motion studies as moving images, often considered a precursor to motion pictures. Muybridge's work laid the foundation for the development of cinema, influencing notable figures such as Thomas Edison and the Lumière brothers. While his motion studies brought him fame, Muybridge's personal life was marred by scandal. In 1874, he shot and killed his wife's lover, Major Harry Larkyns, resulting in a highly publicized trial. However, Muybridge was acquitted on the grounds of justifiable homicide. Muybridge's legacy is undeniable, with his innovative techniques shaping not only the field of photography but also the world of cinema. His work continues to inspire and inform contemporary artists, filmmakers, and researchers interested in the study of motion and perception.