Sir Jacob Epstein, sculptor, was born on 10 November 1880 at 102 Hester Street, New York City, to Max and Mary Epstein. In December 1910 he became a naturalized British citizen.
A letter of introduction from Rodin to George Bernard Shaw led to contacts within the New English Art Club circle, and thence to portrait commissions which quickly established Epstein's reputation as a penetrating observer and brilliant modeller. Epstein leapt to public prominence in 1908 due to his carvings located over the facade of Charles Holden's British Medical Association building in the Strand in London.
Epstein continued working into old age and died of a heart attack at his home at Hyde Park Gate on 19 August 1959.