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Artists research: Anna Atkins 

Anna Atkins was an English botanist and photographer born in 1799 and is widely considered to the the first person to publish a book illustrated with photographic images and some consider her to be the first woman to create a photograph. Atkins created cyanotypes by placing dried algae directly onto cyanotype paper. 

The first image is called "Papaver Orientale' and features a ghostly flower as a focal point of the image, there is a strong contrast between the blue and white tones that allows the details of the flower and the leaves to be brought out and seen and I think that the transparency on the petals causes the flower to feel ghostly, invoking an eerie atmosphere, like a spirit taunting the viewer. o think that the transparency of the petals also allows the lines and creases within them to be seen clearly and the viewer is able to see the intricacy of   When looking at the image I believe that the composition and positioning of the flower invokes a lonely and melancholy atmosphere and feeling, the flower is drooping and bent at the stem, and is alone in an expanse of blue longing for a companion and friend. 

The second image named 'Papaver Orientale' is my favourite and is featured in her 1843 publication of 'Photographs of British algae: Cyanotype impressions'. When looking at this piece I believe that the gradients in the tones of blue that can be seen allow the curves and lines of the algae forms to be clear and the contrast between the dark blue background and the white sections accentuate the intricate details and curves of the forms and brings the image to life allowing the viewer to imagine what these plants would have looked like if they were alive. I think that when looking at the lines and frills of the algae they seem delicate and fragile, invoking and atmosphere of elegance and grace, like a ballerinas tutu or a gentle jelly fish floating through the ocean. I think that the largest piece of algae acts as a focal point for the image and seems to almost dance across the image causing the viewer to watch in wonder and awe. 









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