Mesogloia purpurea c. 1843 - 1853

Anna Atkins made this cyanotype photogram of Mesogloia purpurea, likely sometime in the 1840s, by placing seaweed on light-sensitized paper and exposing it to the sun. This print comes from her book "Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions," one of the first books to be illustrated with photographs. It signifies the convergence of scientific documentation and artistic expression in Victorian England. Atkins, a woman in a male-dominated scientific community, used photography to create detailed botanical records, thereby challenging conventional modes of illustration. Her work reflects a broader cultural interest in natural history. Examining the social context of this image is crucial. The rise of scientific societies, increased access to education for women, and technological advancements in photography all contributed to the making of this image. By consulting historical archives, scientific publications, and biographical accounts, we can further understand the cultural importance of Atkins' scientific, yet artistic, contributions.