(the first painting of Antarctica)

(the painting of New Zealand harbour)

The first painting of Antarctica, which was hidden under another painting for the last 200 years, is going on public view in London.

The painting was the work of artist William Hodges, who joined Captain James Cook's second epic voyage in 1772.

The oil painting, later painted over with a view of a New Zealand harbour, is one of 80 of Hodges' works on show at the National Maritime Museum.

An X-ray of the painting is being shown to prevent damage to the artwork.

Hodges' painting, which shows the icebergs in the water, is the first eye-witness view of the southern continent ever captured.

Hodges' work fell into obscurity after his suicide in 1795, after he lost all his money in a bank crash.

(Photo source:BBC)