Callithamnion pluma [&] D[itt]o repens c. 1843 - 1853

Anna Atkins created this cyanotype, Callithamnion pluma [&] D[itt]o repens, using the cyanotype process. The ethereal blue evokes a sense of calm, its monochrome palette providing a canvas for the subtle forms of the algae. Atkins, a botanist, used photography as a means of scientific documentation, but her images transcend mere representation. The stark contrast between the cyan blue and the ghostly white algae transforms the specimens into abstract compositions. Note how the arrangement on the page isn't simply a replication of nature; rather, it's a deliberate construction. The placement of each specimen invites us to consider its shape, texture, and relationship to the surrounding space. Atkins' work challenges the traditional boundaries between science and art, suggesting a new way of perceiving and classifying the natural world through the lens of photographic abstraction. This innovative approach disrupts conventional systems of knowledge, revealing the inherent beauty and formal complexity of botanical specimens.