Conferva bombycina c. 1843 - 1853

This cyanotype print of Conferva bombycina was created by Anna Atkins in the mid-19th century. Atkins, a British botanist and photographer, employed a pioneering photographic process using iron salts and sunlight to produce these striking blue images. What makes this work remarkable is its fusion of scientific documentation and artistic expression. Atkins placed the algae directly onto treated paper, exposing it to sunlight. This contact printing method captured intricate details, rendering the plant's delicate structure in stark white against a cyan background. The resulting image is both scientifically accurate and aesthetically captivating. The cyanotype process, while relatively simple, required careful preparation and precise timing. By harnessing the power of chemistry and light, Atkins transformed a scientific pursuit into a form of art. This work challenges traditional hierarchies by elevating the status of both the artist and the overlooked beauty of botanical specimens.