20 January 2011 Last updated at 07:10

Audio slideshow: Images of Nature

Before the invention of photography, artists were used to document the colours and appearance of newly discovered creatures and plants. To celebrate their work, the Natural History Museum in London is showcasing its own extensive art collection.

Take a look with Peronel Craddock and Judith Magee from the museum - and find out why some paintings of the extinct dodo bird might not have been totally accurate.

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Images of Nature will be open at the Natural History Museum in London from 21 January 2011. Admission free.

All artwork images copright Natural History Museum. Music courtesy KPM Music.

Slideshow production by Paul Kerley. Publication date 20 January 2011.

More audio slideshows:

The photography of Sir Wilfred Thesiger

Fellows of science at the Royal Society

Jurassic woman

Britain from the Air