Ceramium rubrum / var. c. 1843 - 1853

Anna Atkins created this cyanotype of Ceramium rubrum, a type of red algae, without a camera. Look closely, and you will notice the delicate branching patterns which evoke the ancient symbol of the tree of life. Consider the human nervous system, or even a river delta seen from above. Throughout history, cultures across the globe have recognized the profound connection between these branching forms and the fundamental patterns of existence. This form appears not only in scientific diagrams but also in mystical art, representing interconnectedness. In ancient mythologies, trees bridge the earthly and divine realms. Here, Atkins, with her innovative process, captures a different kind of life form, one that exists beneath the waves. In doing so, she invites us to reflect on the interconnectedness of all life. The photograph captures the spirit of nature, revealing the universal, enduring patterns that connect us to the past, and to each other.