Batrachospermum alpestre 1851 - 1855

"Batrachospermum alpestre" (1851-1855), a cyanotype by Anna Atkins, is one of many botanical studies from her seminal book "Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions". Atkins, a pioneer of photography, used the cyanotype process, which produces a distinctive blue print, to capture the delicate detail of algae. This specific print depicts Batrachospermum alpestre, a type of freshwater red algae, showcasing the intricate structure and beauty of the natural world. Atkins' work played a crucial role in the development of both photography and scientific illustration.