Corallina squamata 1851 - 1855

Anna Atkins' cyanotype photograph, "Corallina squamata," from her groundbreaking book *Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions* (1851-1855), captures the delicate detail of a type of red algae. This photo, part of a larger project documenting various algae species, exemplifies Atkins' pioneering use of the cyanotype process. The striking blue background and pale white impression of the seaweed not only served scientific purposes, but also contributed to the development of photography as an artistic medium. The image, now part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, highlights Atkins' contribution to both botany and photographic history.