Dictyota atomaria
1843-1853
Anna Atkins created this ghostly blue seaweed silhouette by placing the actual algae directly onto light-sensitive paper and letting the sun do the rest, creating a camera-less photograph known as a photogram. This specific technique, called a cyanotype, resulted in the striking 'Prussian blue' background that makes her work so recognizable. Published starting in 1843 as part of her book 'Photographs of British Algae', this image is part of what is widely considered the first book ever illustrated with photographic images. Atkins was a true pioneer, blending scientific documentation with artistic beauty long before photography became a mainstream medium.
- Technique
- Cyanotype
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