Ralph Vaughan Williams

Sir Jacob Epstein 1880 - 1959

Summary

Bust of a man with a broad face and short thick hair, with a side parting. The subject's head is turned to the side with his eyes following in the same direction. Vaughan Williams sat for Epstein in 1950. In his autobiography, Epstein wrote "Here was the master with whom no one would venture to dispute. He reminded me in appearance of some 18th century admiral whose word was law. Notwithstanding, I found him the epitomy of courtesy and consideration and I was impressed by the logic and acuteness of everything he discoursed upon and was made aware of his devotion to an art as demanding as sculpture. It seemed to me characteristic of this great man that at a mature stage in his creative development he decided to study composition with Maurice Ravel in Paris in order to balance his hitherto German training. We were received with charming hospitality by the Master at his country home in Dorking, from where we went at his invitation to hear his annual performance conducting the Bach St Matthew Passion".