Halydrys siliquosa 1851 - 1855

Anna Atkins made this cyanotype of Halydrys siliquosa, a type of seaweed, in England, sometime in the mid-19th century. Atkins was a botanist, and she used the cyanotype process, an early form of photography, to document different species of algae. It is important to remember that Victorian England was a time of great scientific discovery, but also of strict social conventions. Scientific societies excluded women. As a result, Atkins had to find alternative ways to participate in the scientific community. She used her artistic skills to create a scientific record and, in doing so, challenged the social norms of her time. Her work invites us to consider the role of women in science and the ways in which they have been historically excluded from the scientific community. Further research into Victorian science and gender would provide more insight into understanding Atkins' contribution to both art and science. This artwork is a testament to the power of art to challenge social norms.