Asperococcus pusillus c. 1843 - 1853

"Asperococcus pusillus" is a cyanotype photograph by Anna Atkins, a pioneer in the field of photography. This striking example of photogenic drawing, a photographic process using light-sensitive paper, showcases two strands of the seaweed "Asperococcus pusillus." Atkins’s use of the cyanotype process, which creates a blue background with white images, lends a stark and scientific feel to the image, highlighting the intricate details of the seaweed. Her work, published in her book "Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions," marked a significant contribution to both botany and photography.