Enteromorpha intestinalis 1851 - 1855

Anna Atkins created this cyanotype, "Enteromorpha Intestinalis", a photogram of seaweed, without a camera. She placed the seaweed directly on coated paper and exposed it to sunlight. In doing so, Atkins blurred the lines between art and science. As a woman in 19th-century England, scientific and artistic circles were largely dominated by men. Despite these barriers, Atkins became a pioneering figure in both photography and botany, using her artistic and scientific knowledge to create a visual record of plant life. Her choice of cyanotype, a process that renders images in a distinctive Prussian blue, speaks to the period’s fascination with new technologies. This unique approach allowed Atkins to circulate images of scientific specimens. The ethereal quality of the print invites us to consider the intersection of gender, class, and scientific exploration in the Victorian era. It is a reminder of the women who, despite societal constraints, contributed to the scientific and artistic achievements of their time.