Sir Jacob Epstein (1880–1959) was a pioneering British sculptor known for his bold, modernist style and controversial public works. Born in New York City to Polish-Jewish immigrants, he studied in Paris before settling in England in 1905, becoming a British citizen in 1911.
Epstein challenged traditional Victorian sculpture with expressive, often monumental figures that emphasized raw emotion and the human form. His early commissions, including sculptures for the British Medical Association building in London, sparked public debate for their unconventional style and nudity.
Over his career, he created powerful portrait busts of figures such as Albert Einstein and Winston Churchill. Knighted in 1954, Epstein is now regarded as a major figure in the development of modern sculpture in Britain. At present, no works by him are currently available.
