Callithamnion roseum

Anna Atkins

1843-1853

Callithamnion roseum by Anna Atkins, 1843-1853

Anna Atkins created this stunning image using the cyanotype process, a technique she pioneered to document botanical specimens. The ghostly white seaweed, Callithamnion roseum, floats against a deep Prussian blue background, looking almost like a cloud or a burst of light. She published these in her book 'Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions,' making her one of the first people to ever publish a book illustrated with photographs. It's a beautiful blend of science and art from the very dawn of photography, proving that early scientists had an eye for beauty too.

Technique
Cyanotype
Views: 2

Related Artworks