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19th-century alga cyanotype
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19th-century alga cyanotype
19th-century alga cyanotype. Cyanotype of the algae Chylocladia kaliformis, as produced by British botanist Anna Atkins (1799-1871). Chylocladia is a seaweed found in European seas and oceans. It was first described in 1833. 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 6316831
© 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 print showcases a 19th-century alga cyanotype, created by the talented British botanist Anna Atkins. The cyanotype features the intricate beauty of Chylocladia kaliformis, a seaweed commonly found in European seas and oceans. First described in 1833, this particular image was published as part of Atkins' remarkable work titled "Photographs of British Algae" between 1843 and 1853. What makes this cyanotype even more fascinating is its connection to another brilliant mind from the same era. British astronomer John Herschel, known for his astronomical discoveries, invented the blueprinting imaging technique used to produce this stunning piece. Additionally, Atkins also utilized William Henry Fox Talbot's photogenic drawing method in her botanical photography endeavors. The photograph on display here is from an original edition owned by none other than John Herschel himself. Its monochromatic tones beautifully capture the delicate details and textures of Chylocladia kaliformis, offering us a glimpse into the world of marine biology during the mid-1800s. This extraordinary piece combines artistry with scientific exploration, showcasing both Anna Atkins' skillful eye for capturing nature's wonders and John Herschel's innovative contributions to photography techniques. It serves as a testament to their lasting legacy within the realms of botany and scientific imagery alike.
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