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Jacob Epstein

2 of 71 portraits of Jacob Epstein

Photograph © National Portrait Gallery, London

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Jacob Epstein

by Jacob Epstein
bronze head, 1959, based on a work of 1912
19 3/4 in. x 10 5/8 in. (502 mm x 270 mm) overall
Purchased, 1959
Primary Collection
NPG 4126

On display in the Entrance Hall on Floor 0 at the National Portrait Gallery

Sitterback to top

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

Artistback to top

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

This portraitback to top

Epstein found self-portraiture frustrating. He spoke of the difficulties in depicting 'what one sees and not what one knows about oneself and feels should be there' and described the problems of self-observation for a sculptor, who 'must study his subject from every angle'. This larger-than-life bust is Epstein's first modelled self-portrait and shows the emergence of the dynamic, roughly finished style that would characterise his portrait busts. His studio was cold and he habitually wore a cap while working.

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Events of 1912back to top

Current affairs

The Royal Flying Corps is established. During the Great War, planes and balloons were used mainly for reconnaissance and observation before technological advances made them fast enough and manoeuvrable enough to attack enemy positions and fight in the air. Arthur (Bomber) Harris won distinction as a pilot destroying five enemy aircraft in the war. In the Second World War he became Marshal of the Royal Air Force.

Art and science

George Bernard Shaw writes Pygmalion.
Charles Babbage's invents the Analytic Machine. Considered to be the forerunner to the modern computer, the machine was able to make automatic mathematical calculations.

International

Scott leads the British Expedition to the South Pole reaching it in January 1912 only to discover that the rival Norwegian party had beaten them by a month. All members of Scott's team perished on the return journey. Captain Oates' famous last words were immortalised in Scott's diary: 'I am just going outside and may be some time.'
The 'unsinkable' Titanic strikes an iceberg and goes down on its maiden journey between Southampton and New York.

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