Gigartina acicularis c. 1843 - 1853

This is Gigartina acicularis, made by Anna Atkins in the 19th century, using cyanotype. This photographic printing process gives the image its distinctive Prussian blue hue. Atkins, a botanist, made this photogram by placing seaweed directly onto sensitized paper, and exposing it to sunlight. The areas covered by the seaweed blocked the light, resulting in a silhouette. The cyanotype process, while seemingly simple, required careful preparation and precise timing. The paper had to be evenly coated with a solution of iron salts and exposed until the desired depth of color was achieved. Atkins's scientific approach extended to her artistic practice, blurring the lines between art and documentation. The act of collecting, arranging, and printing each specimen highlights the labor involved in her project. Atkins’s work paved the way for future generations of female scientists and artists.