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Sir Jacob Epstein (1880–1959). In the 1930s, the widely recognized sculptor Epstein shifted his focus to nature and flower studies, a departure from his typical avant-garde and often controversial work. These floral paintings were actually quite different from his usual style, which was influenced by art from Africa, Asia, and Polynesia.
This shiftt began after being commissioned by the Dutch firm Asscher & Welker to create flower studies, following a successful exhibition of Epping Forest watercolours. His new passion for painting was so strong that Epstein found himself producing hundreds of paintings, even giving up sculpture temporarily. His living space was overtaken by an abundance of flowers, creating a vibrant, colourful period in his life. This period of intense creativity continued even after he returned to London, with Asscher & Welker sending him fresh flowers weekly until the onset of World War II.
Epstein's watercolour and gouache flower paintings referenced European artistic traditions, particularly recalling the work of Dutch flower painters from the 17th and 18th centuries. However, unlike his predecessors, Epstein focused on the vibrant life of flowers in their natural environments. His work also demonstrated the influence of his contemporaries, specifically in the expressive intensity and bright colour palette.
Despite the seeming contrast to his previous sculptures, these flower studies showcased similarities in both technique and sensibility, revealing an unexpected side of Epstein's artistic repertoire.
