Odonthalia dentata c. 1843 - 1853

"Odonthalia dentata" is a cyanotype print by Anna Atkins, a pioneering photographer, from her book "Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions". The image, created between 1843 and 1853, showcases a detailed and delicate depiction of a seaweed specimen, rendered in striking white against a deep blue background. Atkins' use of the cyanotype process, which produces a photogram using light-sensitive chemicals, allowed for a precise and nuanced representation of the intricate details of the algae. This work exemplifies Atkins' significant contribution to both botanical illustration and the development of photography as a scientific tool.