**Iconic Peaks: The Legacy of Vittorio Sella's Himalayan Photography**

**Vittorio Sella, a trailblazing photographer of the early 1900s, immortalized some of the most stunning images of the Himalayas. An exhibition in Delhi highlights his extraordinary work alongside historical expeditions, unveiling the harsh conditions and beauty he portrayed through his lens.**

Vittorio Sella, an innovative Italian photographer, played a transformative role in mountain photography during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His captivating images of the Himalayas, produced over a century ago, offer insights into the allure of some of the world's highest peaks. An ongoing exhibition in Delhi, titled "Vittorio Sella: Photographer in the Himalaya," celebrates his significant contributions and remarkable artistry.

Curated by British explorer and author Hugh Thomson, this exhibition features an extensive collection of Sella's photographs, making it one of the largest assemblages of his work from India. Highlights include some of the earliest photographs of Kanchenjunga and K2, which Sella explored during his expeditions. Born in Biella, Italy, in 1859, Sella initially honed his skills in the nearby Alps, where he mastered advanced photographic techniques, including the challenging collodion process.

Sella's Himalayan adventure commenced in 1899 when he joined British explorer Douglas Freshfield to circumnavigate Kanchenjunga. Despite being hindered by inclement weather, Sella's dedication to capturing the untouched beauty of the region shone through, resulting in exquisite images of snow-covered peaks, a testament to his technical prowess.

A decade later, in 1909, Sella joined a monumental expedition to K2, accompanied by the Duke of the Abruzzi. His ability to capture the daunting mountain was facilitated by his perseverance and an impressive, cumbersome camera setup weighing nearly 30 kilograms. Critically acclaimed for his artistic flair, Sella's work redefined mountain photography; Jim Curran, author of "K2: The Story of the Savage Mountain," hailed him as "possibly the greatest mountain photographer."

Sella's extraordinary stamina enabled him to traverse harsh Alpine terrains rapidly, often while laden with heavy photographic gear. His well-preserved makeshift harness and boots serve as historical artifacts, emphasizing both the weight of his equipment and the challenges he faced. Over the course of his K2 expedition, Sella produced approximately 250 formal photographs, a feat notable for its meticulousness, considering the limited number of glass plates he could develop.

Despite the inherent risks of high-altitude photography, including humidity that often ruined his negatives, Sella's eye for detail and composition is exceedingly evident. He stood out for his ability to integrate the context of climbers trails with the majestic landscapes. Renowned mountaineer-photographer Ansel Adams once remarked that Sella's work inspires "religious awe," which echoes through the frames housed in the exhibition.

The ongoing showcase not only celebrates Sella's artistic legacy but also represents a significant chapter in the history of mountaineering and photography, highlighting the relentless spirit of exploration that defined the era.