Jacob Epstein (1880-1959) was a renowned British sculptor of American and Polish-Jewish descent. He was known for his pioneering and often controversial work in the early 20th century. Here are some key points about Jacob Epstein:1. **Early Life**: Jacob Epstein was born on November 10, 1880, in New York City, USA, to Polish-Jewish parents. He immigrated to England in 1905 and became a British citizen in 1907.2. **Artistic Education**: Epstein studied sculpture at several art institutions, including the Art Students League of New York and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. His education exposed him to a range of artistic influences.3. **Modernist Sculpture**: Epstein is often associated with the modernist movement in sculpture. His early works were marked by their bold experimentation with form and material. He embraced the use of direct carving, emphasizing the natural qualities of stone and wood.4. **Controversial Works**: Some of Epstein's early sculptures, such as "The Rock Drill" (1913-1915), were considered controversial for their radical departures from traditional sculpture. "The Rock Drill" incorporated an actual rock drill into the sculpture, creating a mechanical, almost futuristic, figure.5. **Portraiture**: While Epstein was known for his abstract and modernist works, he was also a skilled portrait sculptor. He created portrait busts of prominent figures of his time, including Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, and Rabindranath Tagore.6. **Nude Sculpture**: Epstein was known for his expressive and often explicit depictions of the human body. His nude sculptures were groundbreaking and challenged the conventions of the time.7. **Public Art**: Epstein created several public sculptures and monuments, including the "Oscar Wilde Memorial" in London's Pere Lachaise Cemetery and the "Night and Day" figures on the façade of the Strand Palace Hotel.8. **Controversies and Criticism**: Epstein's work occasionally sparked controversy and criticism for its bold and unconventional depictions. Some of his public sculptures faced backlash, and "The Rock Drill" was initially considered too radical.9. **Teaching and Influence**: Epstein taught at the Royal College of Art and had a significant influence on younger sculptors. His emphasis on direct carving and modernist principles helped shape the direction of 20th-century British sculpture.10. **Later Life and Legacy**: Jacob Epstein continued to work prolifically throughout his life. He passed away on August 19, 1959. His contributions to modernist sculpture and his impact on the development of British art continue to be celebrated and studied.Jacob Epstein's bold and innovative approach to sculpture challenged traditional norms and left an indelible mark on the world of art. His work remains influential and is regarded as an important part of the modernist sculpture movement.
Measures 21.6 x 27.

Good condition. No major rips, tears, etc.