New Zealand c. 1853 - 1854

Anna Atkin’s cyanotype, titled “New Zealand,” is a beautiful example of early photographic processes married with scientific inquiry. It was made by placing a fern directly onto paper treated with iron salts, then exposing it to sunlight. The chemical reaction resulted in this striking Prussian blue background, with the plant itself leaving a ghostly white impression. This technique, while simple, demands patience and a sensitivity to the environment; the intensity of the sun dictates the outcome. Atkins, a botanist by training, used this photogenic drawing process extensively to document plant specimens, creating what is considered the first book of photographs. Her work sits at the intersection of art and science, showcasing the inherent beauty of the natural world, and pushing the boundaries of what was then considered artistic practice. By understanding the materials and method, we appreciate how Atkins elevated a scientific process into an art form, challenging the traditional divide between the arts and sciences.