Annie W. Brigman, 1869-1950, was from Oakland, California at the time this portfolio was published. This very early example of the artist’s work is believed to show the Biblical figure of Rachel weeping. Brigman first began taking photographs in 1901, later going by Anne W. Brigman.

Published: The American Amateur Photographer: February, 1903: p. 52, with the notation it had been exhibited in the Chicago Salon. Later in the issue E.J. Hoskin notes the Third Chicago Photographic Salon attracted over 1400 submissions but only 191 were hung, including Rachel: “an impressive figure study by Annie W. Brigman.” (the salon took place at the Art Institute of Chicago from December 16, 1902-January 4, 1903)

Biblical figure of Rachel: Rachel’s Tears (excerpt)

Rachel was the wife of Jacob (grandson of Abraham) and the mother of two sons—Joseph and Benjamin. Her name is found more than forty times in the Old Testament. In giving birth to Benjamin she died, and was buried near Bethlehem (Genesis 35:19). A thousand or so years after her death, Rachel is symbolically portrayed by the prophet Jeremiah: “Thus says Jehovah: A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping. Rachel weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children for they are not.” She then was comforted. The Lord instructed her to refrain from her weeping for she would be rewarded, and “her children” would return from the land of the enemy (Jeremiah 31:15-17).  (Source: Wayne Jackson: Rachel’s Tears: from Christian Courier online resource accessed April, 2018)