NEW YORK: Photos and art depicting some of the most inaccessible and eye-catching places around the world will go on auction in a sale of National Geographic archive works.

The collection is expected to raise more than $3 million when it goes on the block December 6 at Christie's in New York.

“National Geographic has been bringing its readers to the farthest corners of the earth with its groundbreaking images for 125 years, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer these images to the people that they have inspired,” Katherine Brambilla, at Christie's, said.

The works range from the 1800s to contemporary and also include paintings by Andrew and Newell Convers Wyeth.

The proceeds will support National Geographic's archives and programs to nurture emerging photographers and artists, Christie's said in a statement.

The images include portraits from Afghanistan, Alaska, the Arctic and remote corners of Papua New Guinea.