Ceramium ciliatum β acanthonatum c. 1843 - 1853

Anna Atkins created this cyanotype of Ceramium ciliatum β acanthonatum, a type of red algae, using a photographic printing process that gives the print a distinctive blue hue. The plant itself, with its delicate, branching structure, is an ancient symbol of life, growth, and interconnectedness. Think of the Tree of Life motif, stretching back to ancient Mesopotamia, with roots and branches connecting the earthly and divine realms. The algae's intricate form mirrors the nervous system, or even a river's tributaries, reflecting nature's patterns on a microcosmic scale. In ancient cultures, algae were often associated with the feminine, embodying fertility and the mysteries of the ocean depths, symbolizing the unconscious, a place of hidden knowledge and primordial power. This seemingly simple image resonates far beyond its scientific purpose, tapping into our collective memory and subconscious associations with the natural world. These patterns resurface, evolving and taking on new meanings throughout history.