Enteromorpha compressa
1843-1853
Anna Atkins created this stunning image by placing actual seaweed directly onto light-sensitive paper and exposing it to sunlight, a technique called cyanotype. The result is these ghostly white silhouettes of Enteromorpha compressa floating against a deep Prussian blue background. This isn't just a pretty picture; it's a page from her 1843 book, 'Photographs of British Algae,' which holds the title of the very first book ever illustrated with photographs. She basically used the blueprint process to document marine life, turning science into art long before anyone else thought to do it.
- Technique
- Cyanotype
- Material
- Paper
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