Collection Online as of November 29, 2023
Amalia Coal Mine, Essen
René Burri
(Swiss, 1933–2014)
Gelatin silver print
Image: 17.4 x 26.7 cm (6 7/8 x 10 1/2 in.); Paper: 27.8 x 35.3 cm (10 15/16 x 13 7/8 in.)
Gift of Joan Liftin 2021.149
Location
not on view
Description
In Amalia Coal Mine, Essen, Swiss photographer René Burri conveys the arduous, hazardous nature of this ancient profession. This mine, which began operation in 1850, became part of the Krupp Group in 1927, joining a conglomerate whose industries included armaments factories that supplied German armies in both World Wars. Just five years after Burri took this picture, the mine was closed.