Lyngbya speciosa 1851 - 1855

Anna Atkins made this cyanotype, Lyngbya speciosa, using a light-sensitive process and specimens of algae. This method, discovered in the mid-19th century, involved coating paper with iron salts, placing objects on it, and exposing it to sunlight, resulting in a detailed silhouette in Prussian blue. Atkins, a botanist, used this technique to create a scientific record of algae species. The choice of cyanotype was practical, sidestepping the complexities of traditional botanical illustration. She directly engaged with nature, using sunlight and chemistry as her artistic tools. This innovative intersection of science and art allowed for a democratization of image-making. It was less about artistic skill and more about direct engagement with the material world, blurring traditional boundaries between scientific documentation and artistic expression.