1. VITTORIO SELLA. Southern Valleys (Ingur): Residence of a Distinguished Bear Hunter, 1889-1890, Sella number CVI 871. 7.4x4.6" collodion print, printed 1892-1893, mounted on 11x8.1" heavy brown board. Print recto embossed with artist's credit stamp in bottom right corner; 871 inscribed in negative. Inscribed in ink on mount recto: 871. / Residence of a Distinguished Bear Hunter; in pencil: CVI. Stamped in black ink on mount verso: Depose / Tous Droits Reserves / V. Sella - Biella.
2. VITTORIO SELLA. Southern Valleys (Ingur): Funeral Repasts at Ushkul [Ushkul/Svaneti Georgia], c. 1889-1890, Sella number CVI 866. 4.6x7.6" collodion print, printed c. 1892-1893, mounted on 8.1x11" heavy brown board. Print recto embossed with artist's credit stamp in bottom right corner; 866 inscribed in negative. Inscribed in ink on mount recto: 866. / Funeral Repasts at Ushkul; in pencil: CVI. Stamped in black ink on mount verso: Depose / Tous Droits Reserves / V. Sella - Biella.
3. VITTORIO SELLA. Southern Valleys (Ingur): Funeral Repasts at Ushkul [Ushkul/Svaneti Georgia], c. 1889-1890, Sella number CVI 869. 4.6x7.6" collodion print, printed 1892-1893, mounted on 8.1x11" heavy brown board. Print recto embossed with artist's credit stamp in bottom right corner; 869 inscribed in negative. Inscribed in ink on mount recto: 869. / Funeral Repasts at Ushkul; in pencil: CVI. Stamped in black ink on mount verso: Depose / Tous Droits Reserves / V. Sella - Biella.
4. VITTORIO SELLA. Southern Valleys (Ingur): Ushkul [Ushkul/Svaneti Georgia] the highest village of Suanetia, c. 1889-1890, Sella number CVI 872. 4.6x7.6" collodion print, printed c. 1892-1893, mounted on 8.1x11" heavy brown board. Print recto embossed with artist's credit stamp in bottom right corner; 872 inscribed in negative. Inscribed in ink on mount recto: 872. / Ushkul, the highest village of Suanetia; in pencil: CVI. Stamped in black ink on mount verso: Depose / Tous Droits Reserves / V. Sella - Biella.

In Sella's era photography was the primary tool of Eurasian and American science, exploration, and ethnography studies. Much of the earth had been mapped and explored, and by 1890 the few remaining frontiers were the most remote, inaccessible environments and habitations of the world's highest mountains and the North and South Poles. Patrons for exploration excursions included governments, private railroads, mining and land development magnates and companies, and royalty. Photography made during these expeditions was used for promotion, education, and for the scientific content it offered.
Sella climbed and photographed in the Alps annually making the first winter ascents of a number of prominent peaks including the Matterhorn in 1882 and the first winter hike across Mont Blanc in 1884. His panoramas were up to 12 plates and 360 degrees. Photography and mountain climbing were family affairs, and most climbs would be with his brother, Erminio, a couple of other companions and guides, including Daniel Maquignaz, and later his photographic assistant Emile Bota.

1. 871 Excellent: Mild wear overall; 1" vertical scratch on center of print. Mount somewhat dirty, edge wear.
2. 866 Good: Mild abrasions, scratches dirt; 1/2x1/4" area of damage on L edge of print. Mount somewhat dirty, with multiple water spots; edge wear.
3. 869 Good: Mild wear overall; area of heavier abrasion in center of print; some silver mirroring in shadows. Mount somewhat dirty, with water stains, pieces missing wear and dirt. 1 1/4" scratch on lower R quadrant of print.
4. 872 Good: Moderate wear, with some deeper scratches, and several areas of heavier abrasion. Mount is dirty with edge and corner wear and missing pieces.