Gradation of Shape
Eadweard Muybridge’s studies of animal and human motion, carried out in the late 1870’s, provided the first glimpse of action faster than the human eye could analyse. The images show a gradation of shape captured by multiple cameras set up along a special track. The backdrop along the track was designed to provide maximum contrast with the subject and a series of cameras were fired in sequence, initially via trip wires then later by clockwork.
The resulting series of images were of great benefit to artists and scientists of the time.
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![By Eadweard Muybridge Flickr uploader BPL (Flickr: Animal locomotion. Plate 709) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4897a5_b701f3712147444ea1ad915e3e697e1e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_721,h_507,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/4897a5_b701f3712147444ea1ad915e3e697e1e~mv2.jpg)
Muybridge, Eadweard, (1830-1904) Animal Locomotion
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The complex job of tightly covering the human body with steel armour called for a careful gradation in shape from one panel to the next. The armour had to offer protection, be as light and manoeuvrable as possible and also, in the case of ceremonial armour, look impressive – a tall order for the materials and technology of the time.
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Medieval Armour