Charles I. Berg

Charles I. Berg was active as a photographer and printmaker over a ten-year span, documented between 1892 and 1901. His output consisted primarily of photographs and limited-edition prints, reflecting the growing formalization of fine art photography at the turn of the 20th century.

Berg’s most visible works were distributed through curated portfolios, notably the American Pictorial Photography series. From Series I (1899), key pieces included the figure studies Odalesque, No. 17 and Weeping Magdalen, No. 5, both issued in an edition of 150 (example edition 146/150). His later work, such as Coquette, No. 13 (1901), appeared in Series II (example edition 34/150). These studies, along with the photographs Odalesque and Weeping Magdalen, represent his known output focusing on dramatic and allegorical subjects.

Berg’s standing is established through the inclusion of his material in major national collections. Nine of his works, consisting of six photographs and three prints, are preserved in museum collections, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Art Institute of Chicago, and the National Gallery of Art. The historical nature of his photographs ensures their continued study, with high-quality prints sometimes available as downloadable artwork for research and reference. The availability of royalty-free images sourced from these early Charles I. Berg prints contributes to the public accessibility of the history of American fine art photography.