Himanthalia lorea 1851 - 1855

"Himanthalia lorea" is a cyanotype photograph by Anna Atkins, a pioneer in the field of photography. Created between 1851 and 1855, the image depicts a seaweed specimen in intricate detail. Atkins utilized the cyanotype process, a photographic technique that produces a blue-and-white image on paper. The artwork, part of Atkins's groundbreaking book "Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions", showcases her dedication to scientific accuracy and artistry. The use of cyanotype allowed Atkins to capture the delicate structure of the seaweed with exceptional clarity, highlighting the beauty of nature's intricacies. This photo, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to Atkins's significant contributions to both photography and botany.