Conferva capillaris c. 1843 - 1853

Anna Atkins produced this cyanotype of Conferva capillaris, a type of algae, using light-sensitive chemicals, likely in the 1840s. The delicate, thread-like algae, radiating from a central point, might remind us of the flowing locks of mythological figures like Venus emerging from the sea. This arrangement echoes motifs found in Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus' where hair symbolizes beauty, vitality, and the life-giving properties of water. Consider how hair, throughout art history, has been employed to convey states of ecstasy, madness, or grief, as seen in Bernini’s sculptures or Delacroix’s paintings. Here, the seemingly simple arrangement of algae taps into our collective memory, evoking primal connections to nature and the cyclical processes of life and death. It's a potent symbol, engaging our subconscious on a profoundly human level. The fluid, ethereal nature of Conferva capillaris transcends its scientific classification, resonating with enduring visual themes that surface across time and cultures.