Jacob Epstein 1880-1959
68.5 x 66 x 42 cm
The present work was produced during the short period of time that Isabel Nicholas Rawsthorne (1912-1992) lived with Jacob Epstein (1880-1959) and his wife as muse, model, and assistant. A talented artist in her own right, Rawsthorne lived a bohemian lifestyle for much of her career and is also remembered as the muse of Alberto Giacometti and Francis Bacon. In the same year as the present sculpture was completed, Epstein introduced Rawsthorne to Paris where she would ultimately meet and marry the journalist Sefton Delmer but not before giving birth to Epstein's son in 1934. This portrait of Rawsthorne has been described as Minoan inspired, as well as depicting Nefertiti-like qualities, both of which nod to the significant influence of non-European ancient societies and cultures in the works of modernism at this time.
Provenance
Julian SandsBonhams
Private collection, UK
Literature
Richard Buckle, Jacob Epstein, Sculptor, Faber & Faber, London, 1963, p.209 (ill.b&w.p.208 & 209)Evelyn Silber, The Sculpture of Epstein, Phaidon Press, London, 1986, p.173, cat.no.232 (ill.b&w.pl.25)