Conferva polita c. 1843 - 1853

Anna Atkins created this cyanotype, titled "Conferva polita," with the then-new medium of photography in the mid-nineteenth century. Here, the delicate, branching structure of algae emerges, almost like a ghostly apparition, from the deep blue ground. Consider how plantlike forms have echoed through art history, often intertwined with notions of life, death, and rebirth. Think of the tree of life, or the sacred grove. This humble algae carries echoes of ancient symbols, despite its scientific nature. It has an unearthly quality, capturing a kind of subconscious recognition. The plant's delicate structure invites us to contemplate the fragility and persistence of life. Over time, these symbols resurface, evolving in tandem with human understanding and emotion. It's a cyclical progression, a testament to the enduring power of images and their ability to resonate across centuries.