Jacob Epstein

JACOB EPSTEIN (Poland, 1921-2006).
"Nira", 1960.
Patinated bronze on veneered wood base.
Work published in "Epstein Jacob Sculptures" Bat Yam Museum of Art, p. 53.
It has slight loss in the area of the pedestal.
Measurements: 62 x 39 x 20 cm; 5 x 30 x 22 cm (base).
The bronze sculpture presented to us is a female bust entitled "Nira", by the Polish sculptor Jacob Epstein. This piece, characterized by its expressionist style and its focus on the representation of the human psyche, moves away from the classical idealization of feminine beauty to offer a cruder and more realistic image of women. The protagonist shows angular features and an intense expression. The surface of the bronze is worked with rough textures and incised lines, which reveal the strength and vitality of the character. The gaze, deep and penetrating, is directed towards the viewer, establishing a silent and emotionally charged dialogue. As for the style, there is an influence of expressionism, with an intentional deformation of the features and an accentuation of expressiveness.
Epstein studied art in Lvov, and during World War II served in the Red Army. After the war, he returned to Lvov, then part of western Ukraine, where he taught at the Academy of Fine Arts and worked as a restorer of architectural works in Ukraine. In 1957, Epstein moved to Poland and two years later emigrated to Israel. Epstein created numerous realistic sculptures and expressionist busts (1968), a monument to Janusz Korcak and a bust of Maimonides in Bat Yam.66 cm high with pedestal.The exhibition catalog is included with the sculpture.