Part IX 1851 - 1855

"Part IX" is a cyanotype photograph by Anna Atkins, a pioneer in the field of photographic documentation. Created between 1851 and 1855, it's a page from her book "Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions", showcasing her meticulous record of marine algae species. Atkins used the cyanotype process, where a photographic image is produced in shades of blue, to create detailed botanical illustrations, contributing to the scientific understanding and appreciation of the natural world. The image depicts various algae species, their Latin names carefully inscribed, making it a valuable resource for botanists and collectors of scientific illustrations. The artwork, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, exemplifies Atkins's groundbreaking contribution to photographic art and early botanical documentation.