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Jacob Epstein

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- set matching 'Photographs by Yousuf Karsh'

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Jacob Epstein

by Yousuf Karsh
bromide print, 1955
23 3/4 in. x 19 1/4 in. (602 mm x 488 mm)
Given by the photographer, Yousuf Karsh, 1991
Primary Collection
NPG P490(28)

Sitterback to top

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

Artistback to top

  • Yousuf Karsh (1908-2002), Photographer. Artist or producer associated with 159 portraits, Sitter in 2 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Karsh found Epstein a restless sitter and described how the sculptor 'walked about his studio, talking all the time and apparently unconscious of my camera. It was only when I developed my films that I realised an odd coincidence. His hand adopted the attitude of the hand in monumental sculpture which I had used as a background. I suspected then that he must have used his own hand as a model.' This parallel between Epstein and his creation presents him as a similarly towering presence. Karsh included this photograph in his book, In Search of Greatness (1951). Behind him is his monumental Ecce Homo (19345) now in Coventry Cathedral.

Linked publicationsback to top

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

Subject/Themeback to top

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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