Vittorio Sella
Caucasus 1889, 1890, 1896
Vittorio Sella (1859-1943) was the leading large format, mountaineering photographer of the late 19th and early 20th century, renowned for his spectacular high-altitude photographs of glacial flows, peaks and valleys. Sella traveled the world, photographing in the European Alps, the Caucasus, Mt. Saint Elias (Alaska Yukon Border), and the Himalayan Sikkim. In the 1906 he photographed mountains in Africa Ruwanzari (Uganda) and in 1909 the Himalayan Karakoram K-2 area. From August through October 1890 he went with his brother Erminio, photography assistant Emilio Botta, guide Fabian Croux and porters Secondino Bianchetti and Giuseppe Gamba for a second trip to the Caucasus. On August 7 Sella photographed a funerary feast day which is the subject of many photographs in this group. There were four first ascents, traveling to Zinaga, Adai Khokh district (including mapping), Suanetian Glaciers, they returned through Suanetia, photographing Ushba and the countryside and making ethnographic views. Sella’s final trip to the Caucasus was in 1896 with Emilio Gallo, his photography assistant Emilio Botta, and porter Secondino Bisetta (18x24 cm plates). Most of the Prints Below are Silver Collodion Prints and a few are Gelatin Silver prints. Most of the prints have abrasions and rub marks from the many exhibitions they traveled to in the 1890s and this has been taken into account in the prices of prints.
CI - Elbruz and Neighborhood
CI 589 303 - Dongosorun and Ciat-Bashi, from Azau Huts, CI 591 305 - Glen and Glacier of Azau, CI 594 307 - Right side of Elbruz and the Azau Glen, 27.5x138.7cm 10.83x54.61" ![]() CI 605 312 - Mount Elvruz and the Terskol Valley, from the northeast ridge of Dongosorun, at 9,840 feet, 28.5x38.2cm, 11.22x15.04” $750.00 ![]() CI 607bis 313 - Dongosorun Pass, from the Ciat Glacier ![]() CI 607 314 - Dongosorun, from the Ciat Glacier, at about 11,489 feet, 28x38.2cm, 11.02x15.04" $2,000.00 ![]() CI 608-611 315 4 - Valley of Urushby (608); Mountains of the Adyl and Adyr Valleys (609); Ushba and Shkara (Betsho Pas prominent) (610); Leila-Gora and East Side of Dongosorun (611) Panoramic views from Ciat-Bashi, at about 12,450 feet 26.6 x146cm, 10.47x57.48" $14,000.00 ![]() CI 609 316 - Mountains of the Adyl and Adyr Valleys, 28.9x38.9cm, 11.38x15.31" $1,250.00 ![]() CI 612 317 - Dongosorun, from Dongosorun Pass, ![]() CI 614 318 - Nekra Glen and Otur Peak, from Dongosorun Pass, CII - Suanetia ![]() CII 620 319 - Ciubikevi Village and the Leila-Gora, 28.2x38.3cm, 11.10x15.08" ![]() CII 623 320 - Ushba, from the village of Ezeri , ![]() CII 625 321 - Ushba, from the Caserma (barracks) near Betsho Village ![]() CII 627 322 - Ushba, from the Gulba Kosh, in the Gul Glen, tears 38.3x28.8cm, 15.08x11.34” ![]() CII 630 323 - Ushba (both summits), from Gulba Peak, at about 11,150 feet,
CII 633 324 - Ushba and the Betsho Glen, as seen going up the north side CII 637-640 326 4 - Ciubikevi, Elbruz, Dongosorun (637); Ushba and the Betsho Valley (638); CII 751 329 - Tetnuld and the Adish Glacier, from the hills between CII 754 330 - Ushba, from the hills above Mujal village, CII 763 336 - Ushba, from 7,500 feet, on the Gvalda Glacier, CII 776 340 - Ushba (west side), from the Stongra Glen, at 7,200 feet, CIII - The Central Group CIII 560 343 - Bezinghi Glacier, from 9840 feet, on the north CIII 562 345 - Dychtau, from lower moraine of the southern Glacier of Dychtau, CIII 567 349 - Djanga, Kartantau, and Gestola, from the ridge between Krumkol CIII 569 350 - Mr. Sella's Camp in July, 1889, at the Missess-kosh, ![]() CIII 570 351 - Valley of Bezinghi, 28.8x38.8cm, 11.34x15.28” $900.00 ![]() CIII 571 352 - Malatau, Ulluauzna-Bashi, Koshtantau, Dychtau, ![]() CIII 572 353 - Shkara and Djanga. From the ridge of Saluinan, at 13,120 feet, 28.9x39.3cm, 11.38x15.47" $1,800.00 ![]() CIII 574 354 - Dychtau at sunset, from the Bezinghi Glacier, 28.8x37.9cm,11.34x14.92" $2,500.00 ![]() CIII 577 355 - Koshtantau and Ulluauzna-Bashi, from the right side of the Ulluauz Glacier, 28x37.7cm, 11.02x14.84" $1,000.00 ![]() CIII 579 356 - Ukiu and Saluinan, from the ridge of Mala-Tau, 13,120 feet, ![]() CIII 580 357 - Mala-Tau, from its northern ridge, at about 13,100 feet, 28.9x37.8cm, 11.38x14.88" $1,250.00 ![]() CIII 582 358 - Ulluazna-Bashi, from the highest level of its glacier, 38.5x28.8cm, 15.16x11.34” ![]() CIII 583 359 - Koshtantau, from the Ulluauz Glacier, 28x38.8cm, 11.02x15.28" ![]() CIII 585 360 - Northeast Ridge of Koshtantau and the Digori Mountains, ![]() CIII 586 361 - Koshtantau, from the pass between Ulluauzna-Bashe and Koshtantau, at about 14,100 feet, 28.8x38.2cm, 11.34x15.04" $1,500.00 ![]() CIII 587 362 - Mishirgi-Tau, Shkara, and Dvchtau, from the pass between the Ulluauzna-Bashi and Koshtantau, 29.3x39cm, 11.54x15.35” $1,250.00 ![]() CIII 706 363 - In the Cherek Valley, with Bridge near Dychsu Glen, 38.1x28.8cm, 15.00x11.34" $1,250.00 ![]() CIII 707 364 - Shkara and Dychsu Glacier, from a peak 10,300 feet high, south of Karaoul, 28.6x38.7cm, 11.26x15.24" $2,500.00 ![]() CIII 713 365 - Chirivzik, from 8000 feet, east of Agashtan Glacier, 29x38.6cm, 11.42x15.20" $1,500.00 ![]() CIII 716-722 366 6 - Shkara and Dyschsu Glacier (716); Dychtau and Koshtantau (717); Balkar Valley, west side (718); Balkar Valley, east side (719); Chirivzik Ridge and Giuliukh Peaks (720); Stule-Vsek Pass and Fastakh-Khokh (721); Agashtan Glacier and Mashkapar (Sharitan) Pass (722) Panoramic view from the north ridge of Chirivzik, at about 13,100 feet, 26.3x236.8cm, 10.35x93.23" $22,500.00 ![]() CIII 827(1) 367 - Koshtantau, from Mashkapar Pass, 28.2x39.9cm, 11.10x15.71” ![]() CIII 827(Variant) 368 - Koshtantau, from Mashkapar Pass, scuffs, 11.2x19.2cm, 4.41x7.56” $300.00 ![]() CIII 890 369 ? - DykhTau-17047 feet-Kashtantau-16877 feet from Kom, 28.8x38.8c, 11.34x15.28” CIV - Fastakh-Khokh and Giuliukh Groups ![]() CIV 672-673 370 2 - Shkara, Koshtantau (672); Sources of the Rion and Urukh (673) Panoramic views from Isforga, at 13,380 feet, 27.6x73.9cm, 10.87x29.09" $10,000.00 ![]() CIV 688-693 371 6 - Adai-Khhokh, Bordjula, Karaugom Valley (688); Isforga and Ridges above the Novokaviss Cirque (689); Mountains between Styr-Digor and Gebi (690); Fastakh-Khokh Group (691); Giuliukh Group (692); Ridge from Giuliukh towards Dashi-Khokh (693) Panoramic view from the summit of Dashi-Khok. (Artadori), at 12,400 feet, scuffs, 26x216.7cm, 10.24x85.32" $22,500.00 ![]() CIV 698 372 - Valley of the Uruch and Fastakh-Khokh Group, from 10,660 feet, west of the Village of Zinaga, 28.6x38.8cm, 11.26x15.28" $1,500.00 ![]() CIV 699 373 - Sources of the Uruch, Fastakh-Khokh Group, from Styr-Digor, ![]() CIV 700-704 374 5 - Cigit-bashi Kaya (unexplored) (700); Mt Eddera (701); Mash Kapas-fall, Mt Ciziv-gik Mt. Koruldu (702); Gestolu, Syohtau, Koshtautan (703); Ghiouliuk (704) Panorama from Stoului-Zek 3000 m., 26.9 x167.4cm, 10.59x65.91" $22,500.00 ![]() CIV 705 375 - Fastakh-Khokh Group, from the Stule-Vsek Pass, 28.3x38.70cm, 11.14x15.24" $1,250.00 ![]() CIV 709-710 376 2 - Stule-Vsek Pass and Mountains towards Fastakh-Khokh, ![]() CIV 712 377 - Giuliukh, from the Kosh on the way to CV - Adai-Khokh Group ![]() CV 666 378 - Karaugom Glacier, from the right-hand Moraine, 28.8 x37.9cm, 11.34x14.92" $2,500.00 ![]() CV 667 379 - Mr. Sella's Camp in the Gurdzi-Vsek Glen 28.5x38.3cm, 11.22x14.00" $5,000.00 ![]() CV 668-671 380 4 - Karaugorn Glen, Saudurridge (668); Adai-Kok group, Mt. Bordiula (669); Mountains near Mauillou pass (670); Mountains of Glola (671); Panorama from Mt. Isforga, 26.8x143.1cm, 10.55x56.3” ![]() CV 669 381 - Adai-Khokh and Bordjula, from Isforga, at 13,000 feet, 28.2x38.3cm, 11.10x15.08" $1,800.00 ![]() CV 678 382 - Karaugom Glacier, above the platform, at 7000 feet, 28.1x38.5cm, 11.06x15.16" $3,500.00 ![]() CV 680 383 - Karaugom Glen and Bordjula, from the right-hand Moraine, 28.9x38.4cm, 11.38x15.12" $1,800.00 ![]() CV 681-686 384 6 - Saudur Ridge and Peaks of Adai-Khokh (681); Great Fall of the Karaugom Glacier and Eastern Peaks (682); Bordjula and Affluents of Karaugom Glacier (683); Gurdzi-Vsek Glen and Pass, with Mt. Isforga (684); Fastakh-Khokh and Ridges above the Novokaviss Cirque (685); Giuliukh and Mountains North of Stule-Vsek Pass (686) Panoramic view from Saudur Ridge, at 12,500 feet, 27.8x215.6cm, 10.94x.88" $22,500.00 ![]() CV 687 385 - Village of Styr-Digor, ![]() CV 697 386 - Cirque of the Karaugom Glacier, at 7,400 feet, 28.8x39.1cm, 11.34x15.39" $2,500.00 ![]() CV 733 387 - Isforga and Bordjula, from the forest on Mt. Choda, ![]() CV 734 388 - Shkara, Isforga, and the valleys of Gebi, Goribolo, and Lapuri, CV 735 389 - Isforga, from 10,530 feet on Mt. Bordjula, CVI - Ethnographical and Pictorial Series ![]() CVI 552 390 - Northern Valleys: Inhabitants of Bezinhgi, under the arcades of the starshina's (chief's) residence, 41.5x54.9cm, 16.34x21.61” $7,500.00 ![]() CVI 553 391 - Northern Valleys: Festival at Bezinghi, 40.9x53cm, 16.10x20.87" $10,000.00 ![]() CVI 659 392 - Northern Valleys: Village of Chegem, 27.9 x37.6cm, 10.98x14.80" $1,500.00 ![]() CVI 660 393 - Northern Valleys: Residence of the Starshina of Chegem, 27.7x37cm, 10.91x14.57" $2,500.00 ![]() CVI 662 (2) 394 - Northern Valleys: Relics from Ancient Tombs at Ossete, Gift of Anna Chace, 28x38.6cm, 11.02x15.20” $400.00 ![]() CVI 662 (1) 395 - Northern Valleys: Relics from Ancient Tombs at Ossete, faded, tears 28.3 x38.2cm, 11.14x15.04” $400.00 ![]() CVI 801 396 - Northern Valleys: Festival at Digori (Zinaga) ![]() CVI 806 397 - Northern Valleys: Old Man with his Grandchild, 19.1x11.6cm, 7.52x4.57" $1,800.00 ![]() CVI 810 398 - Northern Valleys: Women and Children, 19.1x11.9cm, 7.52x4.69" $1,800.00 ![]() CVI 816 399 - Northern Valleys: Caucasian Horses on the CVI 828 401 - Valleys: Caucasian Horses on the Glacier of the Mashkapar Pass, ![]() CVI 615 402 - Southern Valleys (Ingur): Forest in the Nakra Valley, 28x38.2cm, 11.02x15.04” $600.00 ![]() CVI 617 403 - Southern Valleys (Ingur): Torrent in the Nakra Valley, 27.9 x38.1” 10.98x15.00” $500.00 ![]() CVI 618 404 - Southern Valleys (Ingur): House and Inhabitants at Chubikevi, 28x37.3cm, 11.02x14.69" $3,500.00 ![]() CVI 619 405 - Southern Valleys (Ingur): Suanetia and Leha-Gora Mountain, from village of Chubikevi 28x38cm, 11.02x14.96" $1,250.00 ![]() CVI 621 406 - Southern Valleys (Ingur): Village of Pari and Otur Peak, 27.9x38cm, 10.98x14.96" $1,250.00 ![]() CVI 622 407 - Southern Valleys (Ingur): Inhabitants of the Village of Exeri ![]() CVI 644 408 - Southern Valleys (Ingur): Women of the Village of Latal 26.8x38.6cm, 10.55x15.20” $9,000.00 ![]() CVI 645 (1) 409 - Southern Valleys (Ingur): Women and Children of Latal, CVI 649 412 - Southern Valleys (Ingur): Old Church at Lenncher, near Mestia, CVI 723 414 - Southern Valleys (Ingur): Village of Gebi, South Side, CVI 724 415 - Southern Valleys (Ingur): North side of Gebi and Mount Choda ![]() CVI 725 416 - Southern Valleys (Ingur): Gebi and Mount Choda, from the Church, 26x38.5cm, 10.24x15.16" $1,250.00 ![]() CVI 737 417 - Southern Valleys (Ingur): Forest in the Glen of Kosh Goribolo 28.8x39cm, 11.34x15.35” $750.00 ![]() CVI 740 418 - Southern Valleys (Ingur): Forest and Small ![]() CVI 742 419 - Southern Valleys (Ingur): Shkara (Lamquam), from the Zena Glen, ![]() CVI 846 429 - Southern Valleys (Ingur): People at the Gebi fountain 19.1 x11.6cm, 7.52x4.57" $1,800.00 ![]() CVI 848 430 - Southern Valleys (Ingur): Young mother at Gebi 19.1x11.6cm, 7.52x4.57" |