Conferva glaucescens c. 1843 - 1853

Anna Atkins, a pioneer of photography, created this cyanotype print of *Conferva glaucescens* as part of her *Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions*. Atkins meticulously captured the delicate details of the algae, showcasing the beauty of the natural world in this early example of photo-documentation. The cyanotype process, which Atkins mastered, utilizes a light-sensitive chemical reaction to create a blue-toned print, highlighting the intricate structures of the algae against the blue background. This work exemplifies Atkins' pioneering contributions to both photography and scientific illustration.