Image of an Iris by a 19th-Century cyanotype print of fern leaf by botanist, and pioneering photographer, Anna Atkins.
- Material: Vinyl
- Size: 2.5 inches x 3.5 inches
- Made in USA
- Item #: MAG127
Anna Atkins began using the cyanotype process as a way to preserve her precious botanical specimens soon after its invention in 1842. Placing the plants directly on light-sensitive paper and exposing them, she captured the intricate details of her scientific specimens against a vibrant Prussian blue background. Her decade-long project British Plant Algae (1843-53) is recognized as the first book of photographs.
Anna Atkins (British, 1799-1871) and Anne Dixon (British, 1799-1877)
Iris Sibirica, 1854
Cyanotype
Image: 25.4 × 19.8 cm (10 × 7 13/16 in.)
Sheet: 37.8 × 48.3 cm (14 7/8 × 19 in.)
J. Paul Getty Museum, 84.XP.467.5
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