Catherine D. Kerr
Social Consciousness, Sir Jacob Epstein
Social Consciousness
Sir Jacob Epstein (1880 - 1959)
1954; installed 1955
Philadelphia Museum of Art, West Entrance
Bronze, on granite base
Height 12’2″ width 16'6", depth 6'6" (base height 2’3″, width 17'4", depth 7'2 1/2”)
The Eternal Mother, seated with arms outstretched, casts a stern, sorrowful look at visitors who enter the west doors of the Art Museum.
Flanking her are two standing female figures: one representing Compassion, reaching down to comfort a stricken youth collapsed at her feet; and another that personifies Succor (or Death), supporting at the hips a young man who bends backward to embrace her shoulders. The entire group by Jacob Epstein suggests not only the tenderness and sympathy of humankind but also the affliction that makes these virtues necessary.
Social Consciousness, Sir Jacob Epstein
Social Consciousness
Sir Jacob Epstein (1880 - 1959)
1954; installed 1955
Philadelphia Museum of Art, West Entrance
Bronze, on granite base
Height 12’2″ width 16'6", depth 6'6" (base height 2’3″, width 17'4", depth 7'2 1/2”)
The Eternal Mother, seated with arms outstretched, casts a stern, sorrowful look at visitors who enter the west doors of the Art Museum.
Flanking her are two standing female figures: one representing Compassion, reaching down to comfort a stricken youth collapsed at her feet; and another that personifies Succor (or Death), supporting at the hips a young man who bends backward to embrace her shoulders. The entire group by Jacob Epstein suggests not only the tenderness and sympathy of humankind but also the affliction that makes these virtues necessary.