Jacob Epstein
(1880-1959), SculptorSir Jacob Epstein
Sitter in 71 portraits
Artist of 15 portraits
The leading modernist sculptor of his day, Epstein was born in New York to Polish-Jewish parents, studying in Paris before moving to London in 1905. He quickly became known as a great sculptor, but his controversial work perhaps cost him an appointment as war artist and an RCA professorship. His nude figures for London's British Medical Association building (1908) shocked Edwardian sensibilities, yet he continued to regularly exhibit life-size bronzes and portraits at the Leicester Galleries. Works include the influential The Rock Drill (1913-14), the essence of Vorticist style, and Oscar Wilde's tomb in Père Lachaise. Knighted in 1954, he completed several large commissions and portraits in his last decade.
Explore the portrait of George Bernard Shaw by Jacob Epstein (NPG 4047) from all angles | the portrait of Lucian Freud by Jacob Epstein (NPG 5199) from all angles | the portrait of Jawaharlal Nehru by Jacob Epstein (NPG 6905) from all angles
by Jacob Epstein
bronze head, 1959, based on a work of 1912
On display in the Entrance Hall on Floor 0 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 4126
by Jacob Epstein
bronze head, 1916
NPG 3885
Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham
by Jacob Epstein
bronze head, 1961, based on a work of 1923
NPG 4220
by Jacob Epstein
bronze bust, 1925
On display in the Entrance Hall on Floor 0 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 5976
by Jacob Epstein
bronze bust, 1933
NPG 6060
by Jacob Epstein
bronze bust, 1934
NPG 2934
by Jacob Epstein
bronze head, 1949
NPG 5199
by Jacob Epstein
bronze bust, 1950
NPG 4762
by Jacob Epstein
plaster cast of bust, 1951
NPG 4440
Related People
- Kathleen Esther (née Garman), Lady Epstein (wife)
- Margaret Gilmour Epstein (née Dunlop) (wife)
- Esther Garman (daughter)
- Theodore Garman (son)
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