Who was Sir Jacob Epstein?
Sir Jacob Epstein KBE, sculptor, was born on 10 November 1880 at 102 Hester Street, New York City, to Max and Mary Epstein. He moved to Europe in 1902, becoming a British subject in 1910.
Life and Work
As a child Epstein suffered from pleurisy and he left school aged thirteen. Between 1893 and 1898 he attended classes at the Art Students League of New York.
Epstein studied at the École des Beaux-Arts from October 1902 until March 1903 and then, from April 1903 to 1904, at the Académie Julian where he was taught by Jean-Paul Laurens.
Married Margaret Dunlop, known as Peggy in November1906.
A letter of introduction from Rodin to George Bernard Shaw led to contacts within the New English Art Club circle, and thence to portrait commissions which quickly established Epstein's reputation as a penetrating observer and brilliant modeller. Epstein leapt to public prominence in 1908 due to his carvings located over the façade of Charles Holden's British Medical Association building in the Strand in London.
He often produced controversial works which challenged ideas on what was appropriate subject matter for public artworks.
Epstein continued working into old age and died of a heart attack at his home at Hyde Park Gate on 19 August 1959.