Mother and Child 1913

This is Jacob Epstein’s sculpture “Mother and Child.” Epstein, born in New York to Polish-Jewish immigrants, later became a British citizen, placing him in dialogue with evolving cultural identities. Notice the smoothness and simplified forms, a departure from traditional representations that reflects early 20th-century modernist trends. Epstein’s choice of the maternal bond presents a universal theme, but it's the unique abstraction that challenges conventional sentimental portrayals. As a Jewish artist working in a predominantly Christian society, Epstein navigated complex cultural terrains. His work often explored themes of alienation and belonging, mirroring the experiences of many immigrants. “Mother and Child,” in its pared-down form, evokes a sense of both intimacy and distance, perhaps mirroring the nuances of human relationships. It asks us to reflect on the different ways we understand and depict our innermost connections.