Dasya coccinea c. 1843 - 1853

"Dasya coccinea" is a cyanotype photograph by Anna Atkins, a pioneer in the field of photography. Made between 1843 and 1853, this image showcases Atkins's groundbreaking work in capturing the intricate details of algae. The delicate, feathery branches of the seaweed are rendered in stark white against a vibrant blue background, highlighting the beauty of the natural world. Atkins's use of the cyanotype process, a method of photography that uses light-sensitive chemicals, created unique, blue-toned prints that captured the subtle nuances of plant life. Her work was not only aesthetically pleasing, but also scientifically significant, contributing to the study of botany through photographic documentation.