Vaucheria racemosa c. 1843 - 1853

Anna Atkins's "Vaucheria racemosa" from her groundbreaking book, *Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions*, is a striking example of cyanotype photography. Created between 1843 and 1853, this image captures the delicate detail of a type of algae, showcasing the beauty and intricate structure of the natural world. The cyanotype process, which Atkins pioneered, uses a light-sensitive solution to create a unique blue print, highlighting the intricate forms of the algae in stark white against a deep blue background. This work is considered a significant early example of photographic documentation and botanical illustration.