Polysiphonia atro–purpurea [= Polysiphonia atropurpurea] c. 1843 - 1853

Anna Atkins created this photogram of "Polysiphonia atro-purpurea" using cyanotype, a process that renders the algae in ghostly white against a deep blue. Consider the branching structure: it echoes the "arbor vitae," the tree of life, a motif stretching back to ancient mythologies. The arbor vitae wasn't merely botanical, it represented a connection between the earthly and divine realms. This spiraling, fractal pattern evokes a sense of growth, interconnectedness, and the underlying patterns of nature that echo through diverse cultures. Think of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, where the branches represent paths to understanding and enlightenment. Here, in Atkins’ image, the sea algae becomes a natural symbol, subconsciously stirring our collective memories, hinting at life's mysteries and the ceaseless cycle of growth, death, and regeneration. The very act of capturing this delicate form taps into our deep-seated fascination with nature's beauty and symbolic power.