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19th-century alga cyanotype
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19th-century alga cyanotype
19th-century alga cyanotype. Cyanotype of the algae Cystoseira fibrosa, as produced by British botanist Anna Atkins (1799-1871). Cystoseira is a seaweed, a brown alga found in temperate Northern Hemisphere seas and oceans. The cyanotype blueprinting imaging technique was invented by British astronomer John Herschel (1792-1871). This cyanotype was published in part VII of Photographs of British Algae (1843-1853) by Atkins, who used also used the photogenic drawing method devised by William Henry Fox Talbot (1800-1877). This image is from an edition of the book owned originally by Herschel
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Media ID 6316363
© SPENCER COLLECTION/NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY/ SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1840s 1850s Alga Algae Photography Sea Weed Anna Atkins Cyanotype John Herschel Mono Chrome
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This 19th-century alga cyanotype print takes us back in time to the world of British botanist Anna Atkins. Captured using the revolutionary cyanotype blueprinting imaging technique invented by astronomer John Herschel, this image showcases the intricate beauty of Cystoseira fibrosa, a brown seaweed found in temperate Northern Hemisphere seas and oceans. Published as part of Atkins' groundbreaking work "Photographs of British Algae" between 1843 and 1853, this particular edition holds special significance as it was originally owned by Herschel himself. Atkins not only utilized Herschel's cyanotype method but also incorporated William Henry Fox Talbot's photogenic drawing technique in her botanical explorations. The result is a stunning monochromatic representation that highlights both the scientific and artistic aspects of nature. The delicate cut-out presentation adds depth and dimension to the image, allowing us to appreciate every intricate detail of this marine flora. Through this photograph, we are transported into an era where biology and photography intertwined seamlessly. It serves as a testament to the pioneering spirit of individuals like Anna Atkins who pushed boundaries and expanded our understanding of both science and art. This remarkable piece from Science Photo Library invites us to marvel at nature's wonders while paying homage to those who paved the way for modern botanical exploration.
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