Addertong 1853 - 1854

Anna Atkins made this cyanotype photogram of an Addertong plant sometime in the mid-19th century. During this period, photography was emerging from its infancy, and in Britain, figures like Atkins played a crucial role in pushing its boundaries beyond mere portraiture. Trained in botany, she saw photography as a tool for scientific documentation. This print comes from her publication "British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions", considered the first book illustrated with photographic images. The cyanotype process, with its distinctive Prussian blue hue, allowed Atkins to record specimens with remarkable detail. But, it also speaks to broader themes of scientific progress, the classification of the natural world, and the role of women in science during the Victorian era. As art historians, we can delve into archives, scientific publications, and biographical accounts to understand the full significance of Atkins's work, revealing the complex interplay of science, art, and social change in the 19th century.