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
Jacob Epstein's studio (including sculptures Social Consciousnes and Ecce Homo)
by Ida Kar
2 1/4 inch square film negative, 1953
NPG x134333
by Ida Kar
vintage bromide print, 1953
NPG x135200
Jacob Epstein; Kathleen Esther (née Garman), Lady Epstein
by Ida Kar
2 1/4 inch square film negative, circa 1953
NPG x136749
Bertrand Russell; Jacob Epstein
by Ida Kar
2 1/4 inch square film negative, 1953
NPG x136750
Bertrand Russell; Jacob Epstein
by Ida Kar
2 1/4 inch square film negative, 1953
NPG x136751
by Ida Kar
2 1/4 inch square film negative, 1953
NPG x136756
by Ida Kar
2 1/4 inch square film negative, 1953
NPG x136757
by Ida Kar
vintage bromide print, 1953
NPG x125061
by Ida Kar
vintage bromide print, 1953
NPG x125062
by Ida Kar
vintage bromide print, 1953
NPG x125063
by Ida Kar
vintage bromide print, 1953
NPG x125064
by Ida Kar
vintage bromide print, 1953
NPG x125065
by Ida Kar
vintage bromide print, 1953
NPG x125070
Esther Garman; Jacob Epstein; Beth Lipkin
by P.A. Reuter Photos Ltd
bromide print, 16 February 1954
NPG x36035
Jacob Epstein with his 'Christ in Majesty'
by Geoffrey Ireland
semi-matte bromide print, circa 1955
NPG x29399
by Ida Kar
2 1/4 inch square film negative, 1955
NPG x136758
by Unknown photographer, issued by Carreras Tobacco Company
colour relief halftone cigarette card, 1935
NPG D49308
Jacob Epstein ('The Confrontation: Sculptor Jacob Epstein prepares a fresh problem for his public')
after Ernest Forbes
colour relief halftone, published in The Sketch 17 March 1937
NPG D47442
by Mark Wayner (Weiner)
lithograph, 1943 or before
NPG D23345
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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