Nancy Rogers with her bust by Sir Jacob Epstein

1 portrait

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Nancy Rogers with her bust by Sir Jacob Epstein

by Ida Kar
2 1/4 inch square film negative, 1955
Purchased, 1999
Photographs Collection
NPG x136759

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  • Ida Kar (1908-1974), Photographer. Artist or producer associated with 1567 portraits, Sitter in 137 portraits.

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This portrait, like many of Ida Kar's images of Epstein's studio, explores the relation of the sculptor's portrait to the sitter it depicts. Rogers' half-turned face and the graceful slope of her neck seem echoed in the sculpture. This resemblance calls to mind the myth of Pygmalion, whose clay sculpture of the perfect woman came to life. In their respective ways, Epstein and Kar both engaged in the dialogue between an observed subject and its representation as art: a shared interest reflecting one of the central concerns of Modernism.

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Events of 1955back to top

Current affairs

Robert Anthony Eden becomes prime minister. In May 1955 Winston Churchill resigned due to ill health. His successor proved to be a similarly popular leader, winning an increased majority at the general election that year. Eden's popularity was due to a combination of his long wartime service, good looks and charm.

Art and science

Mary Quant introduces the 'Chelsea Look' with her Bazaar boutique. In the 1960s Quant was a major contributor to 'swinging London' introducing some of the seminal items of 1960s fashion: the miniskirt, hot pants, paint-box make-up and plastic raincoats.

International

West Germany joins NATO, prompting the East European Communist counties to respond by forming the Warsaw Pact. The signatories of the Warsaw Pact pledged to defend each other if any member was attacked. This development was a major event in the Cold War as it firmly established the East and West as opposing military powers.

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