Weeping Magdalen c. 1897

"Weeping Magdalen" is a photogravure by Charles I. Berg, a prominent American photographer known for his pictorialist style. Created around 1897, the work depicts a nude woman kneeling with her face buried in her hands, conveying a sense of sorrow and contemplation. The soft, muted tones and delicate details of the image are characteristic of Berg's approach, aligning with the aesthetic ideals of Pictorialism, which sought to elevate photography to the level of fine art. The subject matter, a sorrowful Magdalen, alludes to the biblical figure known for her repentance and devotion.