Conferva læte-virens [lætevirens] c. 1843 - 1853

"Conferva læte-virens [lætevirens]" is a cyanotype print made by Anna Atkins between 1843 and 1853. The image depicts two specimens of the Conferva læte-virens algae, capturing their delicate, branching forms in stark white against a deep blue background. This piece exemplifies Atkins' pioneering work in photogenic drawing, a technique that uses light-sensitive paper to create photographic prints. Atkins's cyanotype albums, such as this one, are considered significant contributions to both botany and photography.