Georgy Zelma
Odessa

ExpandFavorite

Artist Georgy Zelma(Russian, 1906–1984)Russian, 1906–1984

CultureRussian

Titles

Odessa

Date1968

PlaceOdessa, Ukraine

MediumGelatin silver print

DimensionsImage: 13 7/8 × 10 15/16 in. (35.2 × 27.8 cm)
Sheet: 13 7/8 × 10 15/16 in. (35.2 × 27.8 cm)

Credit LineGift of Howard Schickler and David Lafaille

Object number95.350

Not on view

Explore Further

Department

Photography

Object Type

PHOTOGRAPHS

Description
Running over 1,500 miles, the Odessa
catacombs are one of the largest systems of underground tunnels in the world.
Though originally formed in the process of stone mining, the tunnels played an
important role during World War II when the labyrinth of passages was utilized to
hide Soviet partisans. Georgi Zelma, a noted war photographer, returned to
these tunnels years later to photograph the return of mining operations.
Zelma’s image captures the absolute darkness of the mines, relieved only by the
light on each man’s helmet.

ProvenanceHoward Schickler and David Lafaille; given to MFAH, 1995.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

Stamped in black ink, verso, bottom center: [stamp in Cyrillic characters]
Inscribed in black ink, verso, bottom left: Og[?]ecca 1968
Signed in black ink, verso, bottom right: G. Zelma [inscription in Cyrillic]
Inscribed in pencil, verso, bottom right corner: Zelma // BZA563

Signed in black ink, verso, bottom right: G. Zelma [inscription in Cyrillic]

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.