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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Laundry at Quezaltenango
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Laundry at Quezaltenango

Artist/Maker (England, 1830-1904)
Date1875
Mediumalbumen print
DimensionsSheet: 5 3/8 x 9 1/8 in. (13.7 x 23.2 cm)
Mat: 16 x 20 in. (40.6 x 50.8 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of The Southeast Banking Corporation Foundation
Terms
    Object number86.0013
    DescriptionBest known as one of the most innovative 19th century photographers of the American West, the Englishman Eadweard Muybridge also traveled throughout Central America after acquittal for the murder of his wife’s lover. Muybridge was sponsored by Pacific Mail Steamboat Company, who hoped his dramatic photographs would spur a return of tourists to steamboat travel. The artist traveled with the full support of the Guatemalan government, which allowed him access to regions otherwise far off the path of most foreigners. The image depicts Quiché Maya women cleaning clothes on stone washboards, probably at the natural hot springs near Zunil. Tzutes and other hand woven cloth can be seen drying on the ground behind them. Young boys help carry baskets of laundry.
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