Stop motion: Pioneering Photography and Movement Studies at the Rijksmuseum

This exhibition explores a unique moment in the history of science, art, and photography, showcasing how the camera's ability to capture fast movement surpassed the human eye. It features original prints from Eadweard Muybridge and movement studies by Étienne-Jules Marey.

The exhibition 'Stop motion' highlights a pivotal period when photography began to reveal the intricacies of movement, something previously beyond human perception. For the first time, the camera proved itself an indispensable tool for observing and depicting the world, challenging existing artistic representations. The Rijksmuseum presents approximately 25 original prints by the renowned British-American photographer Eadweard Muybridge (1830-1904), capturing the motion of animals and people with unprecedented clarity. Alongside Muybridge's work, the exhibition includes glass negatives from the French photographer and scientist Étienne-Jules Marey (1830-1904), who conducted similar motion studies concurrently. The exhibition acknowledges significant contributions through a large loan from the Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed/Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten and private donations to the Rijksmuseum's photography collection.

Adult tickets cost €22.50, with free entry for visitors up to 18 years old and for Friends of the Rijksmuseum. A start time must be booked in advance for all visitors. Friends can enter without booking a specific time slot.