Polysiphonia thuyoides c. 1843 - 1853

This cyanotype photograph, "Polysiphonia thuyoides," is one of many created by Anna Atkins for her groundbreaking book, "Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions," published in parts between 1843 and 1853. Atkins, a pioneer in the field of photography, used the cyanotype process to capture the delicate beauty of algae species, presenting them with scientific accuracy. The image depicts a specimen of the seaweed Polysiphonia thuyoides, rendered in stark white against a deep blue background, highlighting its intricate structure. This work helped solidify Atkins' place in the history of photography, demonstrating the medium's potential for both artistic expression and scientific documentation.