National Geographic Society Unloads Some Treasures On the eve of the National Geographic Society's 125th anniversary, Christie's held an auction of more than 200 works of art -- photographs, illustrations and paintings -- that the society has collected over the years, works capturing its explorations, expeditions and world cultures. The auction, which was held in New York on Thursday, brought nearly $3.8 million. Proceeds from the sale will be used to preserve the society's archives and help support the careers of aspiring artists and photographers. "The Duel on the Beach," a 1926 painting by the American artist and illustrator Newell Convers Wyeth, was the top seller, bringing $1 million. Many photographs sold for high prices too, including Steve McCurry's haunting image of an Afghan girl, which sold for $178,900, a record price for the photographer at auction.