Callithamnion roseum 1851 - 1855

Anna Atkins made this cyanotype of Callithamnion roseum, a type of red algae, using a photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print. In the mid-19th century, photography was emerging as both a scientific tool and an artistic medium. Atkins, a British botanist, embraced the new technology to create detailed visual records of plant specimens. Her work reflects the Victorian era's fascination with natural history and the desire to classify and document the world. It also coincided with new attitudes towards women engaging in scientific and artistic activities. Atkins's "Photographs of British Algae" is considered the first book to be illustrated with photographic images. This publication challenged conventional methods of scientific illustration. By using photography, Atkins combined art and science, pushing the boundaries of both fields. The significance of this image lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in its historical context. Further research into Victorian-era photography and women in science can help us appreciate the revolutionary nature of Atkins's achievement.