Cladostephus spongiosus 1851 - 1855

Anna Atkins made this cyanotype of Cladostephus spongiosus in the mid-nineteenth century using a photographic printing process that yields a distinctive dark blue print. Atkins, a botanist, made a series of cyanotypes of algae specimens, combining her scientific interests with an engagement with a cutting-edge technology. The cyanotype process involves coating paper with iron salts, placing an object – in this case, seaweed – on the coated paper, and exposing it to sunlight. The result is a ghostly, ethereal image in shades of Prussian blue. The cyanotype allowed Atkins to meticulously record the intricate forms of marine plant life, making visible the hidden structures of the natural world. By embracing photography as a tool for scientific documentation, Atkins blurred the lines between art and science. Her work reminds us of the value of close observation, and the power of simple materials and processes to reveal the beauty and complexity of the world around us.