Sir Jacob Epstein 1880-1959

Weintraub Gallery, New York
Sale, Sotheby's, New York, 12th October 1991, lot 178, whence purchased by the present owner

R. Buckle, Jacob Epstein Sculptor, Faber & Faber, London, 1963, pp.393-5, 407, 420-1, illustrated pls.647-8, 662-3 (another cast);
G. Ireland, Epstein: A Camera Study of the Sculptor at Work, Andre Deutsch, London, illustrated (in studio, another cast);
B. Spence, Pheonix at Coventry, 1962, pp.67-73, illustrated (another cast);
Evelyn Silber, The Sculpture of Epstein with a complete catalogue, Phaidon, Oxford, 1986, no.502, illustrated (another cast).

Commissioned for Coventry Cathedral in November 1955, and the maquette cast in an edition of 4. The choice of a Jewish sculptor for the Christian theme had caused some disagreement amongst the committee, but by the mid-50s Epstein's reputation as the leading exponent of major public commisions and his uniquely capability of breathing new life into traditional Christian themes meant that any such voices of dissent were soon overturned. The final work which measures over 10 metres in height, was unveiled by Lady Epstein on 24th June 1960 after the sculptor's death the previous year.