Zygnema nitidum 1851 - 1855

"Zygnema nitidum" is a cyanotype photograph by Anna Atkins, a pioneer of photography. Created between 1851 and 1855, the image showcases the intricate details of the Zygnema nitidum algae species. The cyanotype process, which uses a light-sensitive iron solution, results in a distinctive blue background with white, translucent details of the plant. Atkins's work was groundbreaking in its scientific accuracy and aesthetic beauty, revolutionizing the field of botanical illustration. This specific image is part of her larger collection, "Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions."