Ferns. Specimen of Cyanotype c. 1840s

Anna Atkins made this cyanotype, a photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print, of ferns in the mid-19th century. This striking image is part of a larger project by Atkins to document British algae, using photography as a means of scientific illustration. Consider the social context: During this time, scientific societies were largely male-dominated institutions, and women had limited access to formal scientific education. Atkins, however, was able to participate in scientific circles through her family connections and her own intellectual curiosity. Her work reflects the growing interest in natural history and the increasing use of photography in scientific documentation. To understand Atkins' cyanotypes, we can consult archives of scientific societies, publications on the history of photography, and biographical accounts of women in science. By examining these resources, we can gain insight into the social and intellectual context in which Atkins produced her innovative and visually compelling work.