Corallina officinalis 1851 - 1855

Anna Atkins made this cyanotype of *Corallina officinalis* around the mid-19th century, employing a process that renders the seaweed in ghostly white against a deep Prussian blue. The choice of seaweed itself is laden with symbolism, evoking the primordial waters from which life springs. These aquatic plants have long been associated with the feminine, their sinuous forms echoing the curves of the female body. Think of Botticelli's Venus, emerging from the sea, adorned with flowing hair that mimics the movement of seaweed. Atkins, by capturing the essence of these organic forms, taps into a collective memory of creation and renewal. The cyanotype, with its ethereal quality, further enhances this sense of the primeval. It’s as if we are peering into the depths of time, witnessing the very origins of life. The image resonates on a deep, subconscious level, stirring within us a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world. It’s a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of existence.