Calothrix distorta c. 1843 - 1853

annaatkins

photo of handprinted image

water colours

ink paper printed

lack of negative space

coloured pencil

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

a lot negative space

remaining negative space

watercolor

"Calothrix distorta" is a cyanotype photograph by Anna Atkins, a pioneering photographer and botanist. Created between 1843 and 1853, this image showcases Atkins' innovative use of the cyanotype process to document botanical specimens. The delicate white outline of the Calothrix distorta algae against a blue background highlights the intricate detail of the subject. Atkins' work is considered a significant contribution to both photography and scientific illustration.