Porphyra laciniata / var: umbilicus / on Chondrus crispus c. 1843 - 1853

Anna Atkins created this cyanotype of Porphyra laciniata around the mid-19th century. The ethereal quality of the print, with its deep Prussian blue background, immediately captures the eye, setting off the delicate, almost ghostly form of the seaweed. Atkins, working in a time when photography was still in its infancy, used cyanotype to create detailed records of botanical specimens. The composition is deceptively simple, yet the placement of the seaweed highlights its intricate structure. The stark contrast between the white of the algae and the intense blue creates a visual tension, pulling the viewer into a study of form and texture. Considered through the lens of structuralism, the cyanotype transcends mere representation; it becomes a sign, a code, pointing to the larger scientific project of classification and understanding the natural world. The very act of fixing the image through light and chemistry reflects a desire to impose order on nature. It’s a testament to the power of seeing, recording, and interpreting the world around us.