Sir Jacob Epstein

Mrs A.M. West
Sotheby's, London, 23 May 1984, lot 124

 

London, Arthur Tooth & Sons, 1933 (another cast)
Leeds, Leeds City Art Gallery, Exhibition of Sculpture and Paintings by Jacob Epstein and Matthew Smith, 1942, no.48 (another cast)
Birmingham, Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery, Rebel Angel Sculpture and Watercolours by Sir Jacob Epstein, 1980, no.35, illustrated (another cast)
London, Ben Uri Art Gallery, Epstein Centenary, 1980, no.22 (another cast)
Leeds, Leeds City Art Galleries, Jacob Epstein Sculpture and Drawings, 1987, no.150, illustrated (another cast), with tour to Whitechapel Art Gallery, London

Jacob Epstein, Let There Be Sculpture: An Autobiography, London, 1940, pp.94-6, illustrated opposite p.86 (another cast);
R. Black, The Art of Jacob Epstein, New York, 1942, illustrated pl.62, no.91 (another cast);
Jacob Epstein, Epstein: An Autobiography, London, 1955, illustrated opposite p.71, pp.77-8 (another cast);
Richard Buckle, Jacob Epstein Sculptor, London, 19632, illustrated pl.320, p.206 (another cast);
Evelyn Silber, The Sculpture of Epstein with a Complete Catalogue, Oxford, 1986, no.234, illustrated p.174 (another cast).

Structurally sound. There is very minor dust to the crevices, with one or two very slight possible areas of light oxidisation to the back of the hair, only visible upon close inspection. This excepting the work appears in excellent overall condition, with a crisp, clean cast. Housed on a 10cm. high black stone plinth, which has a few minor chips and nicks visible upon close inspection.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

'His [Einstein's] glance contained a mixture of the humane, humorous and the profound. This was combination that delighted me. He resembled an ageing Rembrandt.'
(Jacob Epstein, An Autobiography, 1955)

Albert Einstein lived at 112 Mercer Street in Princeton from 1936 until his death in 1955. When Stanley Seeger was a resident at Princeton in the early 1950s, he was able to catch glimpses of the great scientist in his home. As with so many of Stanley's purchases, it was personal details such as this which inspired his collecting habits.