In-focus

Entertainment

National Geographic to auction famous photos, art

Dunya News

Among the items are some of National Geographic's most indelible photographs.

National Geographic Society has chronicled scientific expeditions, explorations, archaeology, wildlife and world cultures for more than 100 years, amassing a collection of 11.5 million photos and original illustrations.A small selection of that massive archive — 240 pieces spanning from the late 1800s to the present — will be sold at Christies in December at an auction expected to bring about $3 million, the first time any of the institutions collection has been sold.Among the items are some of National Geographics most indelible photographs, including that of an Afghan girl during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, a portrait of Admiral Robert Peary at his 1908 expedition to the North Pole, a roaring lion in South Africa and the face of a Papua New Guinea aborigine.Paintings and illustrations include N.C. Wyeths historical scene of sword-fighting pirates, Charles Bittingers view of Earth as seen from the moon, and Charles Knights depictions of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals.They are being auctioned to celebrate our legacy .... and to give people a chance to buy a little part of this great institutions history, said Maura Mulvihill, senior vice president of National Geographics image and video archives.We think of ourselves as the unsung fathers of modern photojournalism, she added. I dont think people are aware of what a massive instructive archive this is.Proceeds from the Dec. 6 auction, just weeks before National Geographics 125th anniversary, will go for the promotion and preservation of the archive and the nurturing of young photographers, artists and explorers ... who are the future of the organization, Mulvihill said.National Geographic sponsors and funds scientific research and exploration through its official journal, National Geographic Magazine, which reaches 8.8 million people worldwide in 36 countries and in 27 languages. The society reaches millions more through its National Geographic Channel, books and other sources.While National Geographic is known today for its photography, early magazines were filled with artwork.Among the fine art being offered is an oil painting by Tom Lovell of Gen. Robert E. Lees Civil War surrender at Appomattox. Its expected to fetch $20,000 to $30,000.