Ectocarpus amphibius 1851 - 1855

Anna Atkins' "Ectocarpus amphibius" is a cyanotype print from her groundbreaking book, "Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions". Created between 1851 and 1855, it showcases her pioneering work in photography and botany. Atkins, known for her meticulous documentation of algae, used the cyanotype process to capture the intricate details of the Ectocarpus amphibius seaweed. The resulting blue-toned image, a signature of the cyanotype process, reveals the delicate structures and forms of the subject, contributing to both scientific understanding and artistic expression. This image, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, stands as a testament to Atkins' contributions to both photography and botanical illustration.