Polysiphonia subulifera c. 1843 - 1853

"Polysiphonia subulifera" is a cyanotype photograph by Anna Atkins, a pioneering female photographer. Created between 1843 and 1853, this work showcases her groundbreaking use of the cyanotype process to document and depict botanical specimens. The delicate, white outline of the seaweed against a deep blue background highlights the intricate details of the plant's structure. Atkins' cyanotypes were not only scientifically valuable, but also aesthetically pleasing, demonstrating the early intersection of art and science in photography.