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Artist/Maker (American, 1903–1990)
Date1942
MediumGelatin silver print
DimensionsImage: 17 5/8 × 14 in. (44.8 × 35.6 cm)
Sheet: 19 7/8 × 16 in. (50.5 × 40.6 cm)
Credit LineGift of the Harold and Esther Edgerton Family Foundation
Edition56/125
Object number1996.15.2
Status
Not on view
Copyright© Harold and Esther Edgerton Family FoundationMore Information
To produce this image of the Martels and Mignon dance team, Edgerton made use of a device of his own invention called the multiflash. The multiflash fires bright light in rapid succession while the camera lens remains open, therefore recording movement at regular intervals for a precise length of time. One of Edgerton’s challenges with the multiflash was to ensure that areas of the image that were subject to many flashes did not get overexposed. Although the movement of the male dancer is difficult to discern in this image, the complete somersault of the female is rendered with surprising clarity.
ProvenanceHarold and Esther Edgerton Family Foundation; by gift 1996 to Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OHExhibition History
Stopping Time: A Selection of Photographs by Harold Edgerton
  • Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (January 14, 1997 - March 9, 1997 )
Harold E. Edgerton, Seeking Facts
  • Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (August 6, 2013 - December 22, 2013 )
Shutter Speed
  • Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (July 30, 2019 - December 15, 2019 )
Collections
  • Modern & Contemporary
The AMAM continually researches its collection and updates its records with new findings.
We welcome additional information and suggestions for improvement. Please email us at AMAMcurator@oberlin.edu.