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Jacob Epstein Most Popular Paintings

The 7 artworks by Jacob Epstein our visitors look at most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one.

Edition 2026 · 7 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Jacob Epstein · 1880 – 1959

The Rock Drill by Jacob Epstein

1914 · Tate Britain, London

Explore Jacob Epstein's iconic 'Rock Drill,' a haunting sculpture symbolizing industrial power & human alienation. Witness its dramatic transformation and its influence on art & music.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Epstein ranked #1: The Rock Drill

Art Movement: Vorticist Modernism
Color Palette: Neutrals

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Lydia (aka Second Portrait of Lydia) by Jacob Epstein, 1931

1931 · Ben Uri Gallery and Museum, London · original 48 x 40 cm

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Epstein ranked #2: Lydia (aka Second Portrait of Lydia)

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 7 artworks by Jacob Epstein
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20440 × 48 cm Commission at original size

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1950) by Jacob Epstein

1950 · Royal College of Music Museum, London

Explore Jacob Epstein’s striking bronze bust of Ralph Vaughan Williams – a realistic figurative sculpture capturing the composer’s wisdom & age. A key work by a pioneering American sculptor.

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Epstein ranked #3: Ralph Vaughan Williams

Art Movement: Realism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 7 artworks by Jacob Epstein
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Professor Samuel Alexander O.M.

1924 · Ben Uri Gallery and Museum, London

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 7 artworks by Jacob Epstein
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Shulamite Woman (Arab Girl) by Jacob Epstein

1935 · Ben Uri Gallery and Museum, London

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Epstein ranked #5: Shulamite Woman (Arab Girl)

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 7 artworks by Jacob Epstein
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Alexander Margulies by Jacob Epstein

1942 · Ben Uri Gallery and Museum, London

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Epstein ranked #6: Alexander Margulies

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 7 artworks by Jacob Epstein
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Sholem Asch (1953)

1953 · Ben Uri Gallery and Museum, London

View the most popular artwork of Jacob Epstein ranked #7: Sholem Asch

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 7 artworks by Jacob Epstein
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Jacob Epstein

1880 – 1959

Quick facts

Died1959
Lifespan79 years
Copyright statusUnder copyright
Born1880, New York City, United States
Top-ranked workThe Rock Drill
NationalityUnited States
Works on APS7

Biography

Jacob Epstein: A Pioneer of Modern Sculpture

Early Life and Education

Born: November 10, 1880, in New York City, to Jewish immigrant parents.
Experienced hardship early in life, including illness and financial struggles.
Attended the Art Students League of New York (1893-1898), developing foundational skills.
Moved to Paris in 1902 to further his artistic training at the École des Beaux-Arts and Académie Julian.

Artistic Development and Influences

Early Influences: Initially drawn to Rodin’s expressive modeling, but quickly sought a more individual style.
Rejected the prevailing academic traditions of idealized beauty in favor of raw realism.
Inspired by diverse sources including African and primitive art, as well as ancient Greek sculpture – seeking directness and power.
Developed a distinctive rough-hewn style characterized by vigorous modeling and textured surfaces.

Key Characteristics of His Work

Realism: Epstein’s sculptures are known for their unflinching portrayal of the human form, often emphasizing physicality and emotion.
Portraiture: He became renowned for his bronze portrait busts, capturing the essence of his subjects with expressive detail.
Controversy: His work frequently challenged societal norms and provoked strong reactions due to its unconventional subject matter and style.
Subject Matter: Epstein sculpted a wide range of figures, from friends and acquaintances to ordinary people encountered in everyday life.

Major Achievements and Notable Works

The Rock Drill (1913-1915): A powerful and fragmented sculpture representing the dehumanizing effects of industrial labor – a key work demonstrating his avant-garde approach.
Rima (1925): A memorial to W.H. Hudson, featuring a striking female figure that sparked considerable debate.
Portrait Busts: Created numerous acclaimed portrait busts of prominent figures like Professor Samuel Alexander and Sholem Asch.
Epping Forest Watercolors: Also produced a significant body of watercolor paintings depicting the landscapes of Epping Forest, where he lived for a time.

Historical Significance and Legacy

Considered a pivotal figure in the development of modern British sculpture.
Breaking Boundaries: Challenged artistic conventions and paved the way for subsequent generations of sculptors.
His willingness to confront difficult subjects and embrace unconventional forms influenced artists like Henry Moore.
Despite facing criticism, his work gained increasing recognition during his lifetime and continues to be celebrated today.
Henry Moore’s Tribute: After Epstein's death in 1959, Henry Moore eloquently acknowledged his central role in shaping modern sculpture in Britain.

Questions & Answers

Is there a complete list of Jacob Epstein's artworks?

Every work by Jacob Epstein on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.

How do I find works by Jacob Epstein on a specific theme?

Jacob Epstein's works can be explored by keyword on the artist's By Keywords page. Each keyword groups the related artworks.

Where are Jacob Epstein's artworks grouped by art movement?

The All Movements page groups Jacob Epstein's artworks by art movement.

Collector's quiz

Jacob Epstein is best known for pioneering which artistic movement?
Epstein's work often sparked controversy because it…
What was a common characteristic of Epstein's portrait sculptures?
Despite facing criticism, who publicly acknowledged Epstein's significant contribution to British sculpture after his death?
Epstein was born in which country before becoming a British subject?

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