Callithamnion gracillimum
1843-1853
Anna Atkins created this stunning image by placing a delicate piece of seaweed directly onto light-sensitive paper and letting the sun do the rest. Published in the 1840s, it belongs to the very first book ever illustrated entirely with photographs! The ghostly white silhouette of Callithamnion gracillimum floats against a deep Prussian blue background, looking like a magical underwater snowflake. Atkins essentially pioneered the 'blueprint' process to document British algae, blending science and art in a way that still feels incredibly modern today.
- Technique
- cyanotype
Views: 9