Jacob Epstein

1 portrait of Jacob Epstein

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Jacob Epstein

by Ida Kar
vintage bromide print, 1953
11 3/4 in. x 9 7/8 in. (297 mm x 251 mm) overall
Purchased, 1999
Photographs Collection
NPG x133283

Sitterback to top

  • Sir Jacob Epstein (1880-1959), Sculptor. Sitter in 71 portraits, Artist or producer of 15 portraits.

Artistback to top

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

This portraitback to top

Epstein received public recognition late in life, being knighted in 1954, and completed large commissions and numerous portraits in his last decade. It was during this period, while acting as guardian for his son Theo, that Kar photographed Epstein at his studio at 18 Hyde Park Gate, Kensington.

Linked publicationsback to top

  • Freestone, Clare (appreciation) Wright, Karen (appreciation), Ida Kar Bohemian Photographer, 2011 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 10 March to 19 June 2011), p. 60 Read entry

    Born in New York to Polish-Jewish parents, Epstein studied in Paris (1902-3) before moving to London in 1905. He quickly gained a reputation for his brilliant carvings, sculpted monuments and portraits, and controversial depictions of nudity. He had his first solo show at the Twenty-One Gallery in 1913 and became known as an advocate of modernist sculpture as well as vigorous realism. Epstein met Kathleen Garman in 1921 and they formed a lasting relationship, having three children together: Theo, Kitty and Esther. It wasn't until late in life that Epstein received public recognition (he was knighted in 1954) for works such as Lazarus (1947-8) and Social Consciousness (1951-3), and despite ill health and grieving for the deaths of two of his children in 1954, Epstein completed eight large public commissions in his last decade, as well as many commissioned portraits. It was during this period, while Kar was acting as guardian for Theo, that she photographed Epstein at 18 Park Gate, Kensington, along with his works in progress, such as Madonna and Child (1953) before its installation at Cavendish Square, celebrity portrait sittings and Kathleen and their children.

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Events of 1953back to top

Current affairs

A combination of low pressure in the North Sea, hurricane force winds, and high tides result in the Great Flood of 1953. With no warning system many were trapped in their homes as 20-foot waves crashed on the coast; hundreds were killed at sea and on the east coast.
John Hunt's British Expedition conquers Everest. News of the achievement reached Britain on the day of Elizabeth's coronation.

Art and science

Frances Crick and James Watson discover the double helix structure of DNA. Uncovering DNA's chemical make-up revolutionised our understanding of the building blocks of life.
Ian Fleming publishes his first James Bond novel, Casino Royal.
Chad Varah founds 'The Samaritans' helpline.

International

Joseph Stalin dies four days after suffering a stroke. It has been suggested that Stalin was assassinated, as he was denied medical assistance for over a day after he was found; many suspect that he was poisoned. On his death Georgy Malenkov became leader of the Soviet Union.

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