Bangia laminaræ 1851 - 1855

This cyanotype was created by Anna Atkins, a 19th-century botanist, using early photographic techniques. It shows specimens of *Bangia laminaræ*, a type of red algae. In this image, the arrangement of the algae against the monochrome background evokes a sense of life emerging from the depths. Consider how the algae, with its delicate, branching structures, echoes the Tree of Life, a motif stretching back to ancient mythologies. Across cultures, this tree is a symbol of growth, connection, and the cyclical nature of existence. We can see the symbol of the tree mirrored in illuminated manuscripts, tapestries, and paintings throughout history. Atkins' scientific record becomes a canvas where the organic forms evoke something deeply human. The cyclical progression of nature, ever-present and endlessly renewing, echoes in our collective memory. Though presented as a scientific study, this image speaks to enduring symbols of life, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all things.