Before photography, illustration was the only visual medium available to help scientists record and understand the details of the natural world. Much of the artwork produced was not for decorative purposes, but to aid in identification and classification.
During the eighteenth century, accurate illustrations of the natural world became crucial to advancing scientific knowledge. It was ideal to have an image alongside descriptive text, to provide the fullest possible account of the subject.
For more than 300 years, Britain's wildlife has captivated scientists and artists alike. Their efforts to observe and document the nature on our doorstep inspired the Museum's latest art exhibition.
The natural history illustrations at the Museum represent over 300 years of history in the British Isles.
Natural History Museum. Images of Nature Gallery - 11 March 2017 to summer 2018.
