The Sculpture of Epstein

"Jacob Epstein (1880-1959), though born in New York, was the most important British sculptor of the early twentieth century. Henry Moore is one among many who have acknowledged the positive role he played in their careers. Yet few artists have roused such passionate controversy over their work or suffered so many vociferous attacks from public and critics alike: charges ranged from obscenity and barbarism to belated romanticism. As Moore neatly put it, 'He took the brickbats . . . and as far as sculpture in this century is concerned, he took them first.' Epstein was a modern pioneer of direct carving and one of the first to collect and appreciate the function and form of primitive sculpture. However, as the author demonstrates in her introduction to Epstein's artistic career, critical hostility and the lack of public commissions made carving and collecting increasingly private obsessions, while his income and fame rested on portraiture. At a period when his traditional, humanistic approach was being superseded by new philosophies and new material, Epstein came to be regarded as one of the few sculptors capable of creating a portrait which was far more than a mere likeness. This is the first major critical study and documented catalogue of Epstein's sculpture. His whole output of more than 500 sculptures is described, with supporting information on first exhibitions, provenances, and bibliography. Whenever possible, each entry is accompanied by at least one illustration for reference, while 50 full-page plates evoke the profound spirit of Epstein's best work." -- Publisher's description