Question

What is the function of the photograph 'The Horse in Motion' by Eadweard Muybridge?

1) To settle a dispute between Leland Stanford and a friend over whether a horse's four hooves are off ground at same time during gallop
2) To show technological improvements to photography, specifically faster shutter speeds and ability to capture stopped motion
3) To capture a galloping horse and jockey in profile
4) To demonstrate the invention of the zoopraxiscope and its relation to motion pictures

Answer 1

Eadweard Muybridge's 'The Horse in Motion' photograph was created to prove that a horse lifts all four feet off the ground during a gallop, resolving a debate and showcasing advancements in high-speed photography and the study of motion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The function of Eadweard Muybridge's photograph 'The Horse in Motion' was primarily to settle a dispute Leland Stanford had. Stanford, a prominent businessman, tycoon, and racehorse owner, was curious to know if a horse lifts all four feet off the ground during a gallop. Muybridge used high-speed photography to capture the horse, 'Sallie Gardner,' in action, proving that horses do indeed lift all four hooves off the ground at the same time during certain phases of their gallop. This set of photographs not only served to resolve this particular debate but also demonstrated technological advancements in photography such as faster shutter speeds allowing for detailed studies of dynamics in motion. This was a significant contribution to the scientific study of animal locomotion and the development of early motion pictures.