Vaucheria dichotoma 1851 - 1855

Anna Atkins made this cyanotype of Vaucheria dichotoma, a type of algae, sometime in the mid-19th century. Atkins was part of a community of scientists and photographers who saw the new medium as a tool for documentation and classification. In Britain, at this time, the rise of scientific societies created a demand for accurate visual records. Photography offered a solution, but its artistic status was debated. Atkins's work reflects this tension, combining scientific precision with an aesthetic sensibility, creating what could be seen as a fusion between art and science. She self-published her books to disseminate information outside of the traditional institutions. This allowed women, who were excluded from some scientific circles, to participate and contribute to science. To fully appreciate Atkins's work, we need to consider both the history of photography and of scientific illustration. Researching these topics can reveal the complex social and institutional contexts that shaped her artistic and scientific practice.