Sporochnius rhizodes ß paracloxa 1851 - 1855

Anna Atkins, a pioneering photographer, created this cyanotype image, "Sporochnus rhizodes ß paracloxa," as part of her book "Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions." This striking image, a delicate white silhouette against a vibrant blue background, showcases the intricate beauty of a seaweed species. Atkins, a skilled botanist, used the cyanotype process, which she learned from her friend John Herschel, to create a meticulously detailed and scientifically accurate record of the British marine flora. This work, one of the earliest examples of photographic art, remains a significant contribution to both photography and botany.