a very interesting specimen

i'm completely charmed by these antique botanical cyanotypes from a recent show at ampersand titled from the winter woods. circa 1900, they're mysterious, a little sad and very magical. ampersand says it best:


"the photographer who made these images was not only skilled with the mechanics of the camera & the chemistry of printing, he or she also had an advanced eye for the subtleties of arrangement. looking closely, one sees specimen pins, drops of water cupped in leaves & a butterfly poised upon a blossom, small details that suggest an intent beyond a mere record of plant species."