Sphaeroplea punctalis c. 1843 - 1853

This image of Sphaeroplea punctalis was made in the mid-19th century by Anna Atkins using a process called cyanotype. It’s a photographic printing process that yields a distinctive dark blue print. To create this image, Atkins coated paper with a solution of iron salts, and then placed the algae directly onto the sensitized paper. Exposed to sunlight, the paper turned blue everywhere except where the algae blocked the light, leaving a detailed white silhouette. The material influence is profound: the cyanotype process itself dictates the color palette and the ghostly presence of the algae. Atkins was a botanist, and she used this technique to create an extensive visual record of plant life. She wasn't alone; photography was seen as both science and art. The process, though scientific, required careful preparation and exposure, turning the act of documentation into a craft. This piece underscores how closely science, art, and craft were intertwined, and how material processes can elevate scientific data into objects of enduring beauty.