Speech in Motion
Multiple-exposure motion study of Frenchman's face while speaking "Je vous aime", by Georges Demeny, sepia collotype plate circa 1891 with letterpress title and identifications in black. Overall dimensions of sheet 7.25 x 9.5 inches (18x24 cm).
Demeny was a European pioneer of the photographic motion study / chronophotography.
This plate accompanied Demeny's brief notice "Photographie de la Parole," published October 1891 in Paul Nadar's monthly "Paris-Photographe" (pages 306-8).
The full printed explanations read:
"Photographie de la Parole / Par M. G. Demeny / Images chronophotographiques de la bouche d'un sujet prononçant la phrase: 'Je vous Aime' obtenues par la méthode du Professeur Marey. / Nombre d'Images par second: 12. / Temps de pose pour chaque image: 1/700 de seconde environ / Imp. Berthaud, 9, rue Cadet, Paris"
( "The Photography of Speech / by Mr. G. Demeny / Chronophotographic images of the mouth of a subject pronouncing the phrase 'I love you' obtained by the method of Professor Marey / Number of images per second: 12 / Exposure time for each image: about 1/700 second / Berthaud Printer, 9 rue Cadet, Paris" )
Images and text copyright © 2014 by Christopher Wahren Fine Photographs