Sir Jacob Epstein

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Jacob Epstein, a trailblazing modernist sculptor of his time, left an indelible mark on the art world. Born to Polish-Jewish parents in New York, he went on to hone his craft in Paris before making London his home in 1905. There, he rapidly gained recognition as a visionary, albeit provocative, artist. Epstein's bold nude figures for the British Medical Association building in London (1908) sent shockwaves through Edwardian society, challenging conventional norms. Yet, it was his iconic Rock Drill (1913-5), a masterpiece that embodied Vorticist style, which solidified his position as one of the leading sculptors of his era. His later portrait work cemented his reputation, and in 1954, he was knighted for his contributions to the art world. This striking bronze self-portrait, created around 1912, serves as a testament to Epstein's innovative spirit and artistic prowess.