Catalogue entry

Ralph Vaughan Williams

1950. . Royal College of Music Museum.

**Fig. 1.** Jacob Epstein, *Ralph Vaughan Williams*, 1950. Shown as the reproduction you are specifying: , .

§ 1Catalogue data

This Artwork Is Under Copyright Protection

The artwork displayed on this page is protected by copyright law, which means we cannot legally create or sell an identical reproduction. This protection is enforced under international agreements such as the Berne Convention and by national laws, including those outlined by the U.S. Copyright Law - Title 17.

As a respectful and legal alternative, we offer custom, hand-painted artworks inspired by the original. Our skilled and professional artists carefully study the original's style, mood, and artistic essence to create a new, unique piece that evokes the same feeling - while remaining an original creation in its own right.

This method fully complies with copyright regulations because it does not involve copying or duplicating the protected artwork. Instead, it is a creative reinterpretation - a new painting that is influenced by the original but not identical to it.

Collectible Description

Explore Jacob Epstein’s striking bronze bust of Ralph Vaughan Williams – a realistic figurative sculpture capturing the composer’s wisdom & age. A key work by a pioneering American sculptor.

Artist Biography

Sir Jacob Epstein (1880-1959): American-British sculptor famed for bold realism, controversial public art & expressive portrait busts. A pioneer of modern sculpture.

§ 3Commentary

Bust, head only. The most significant English composer of his generation, Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958) studied at Cambridge and the Royal College of Music before travelling to the continent for further instructions from Max Bruch and Maurice Ravel. It was not until 1910, following a detailed study of folk music that he fully established a personal musical voice. After the First World War he joined the teaching staff of the Royal College of Music, where his pupils included Gordon Jacob and Elizabeth Maconchy.

Questions & Answers

What does the 1950 date of "Ralph Vaughan Williams" correspond to in Jacob Epstein's career?

Given its 1950 date, "Ralph Vaughan Williams" falls in Jacob Epstein's Mature Period.

How strong is the contrast in "Ralph Vaughan Williams" by Jacob Epstein?

The light-dark contrast of "Ralph Vaughan Williams" is recorded as statement. Contrast describes how strongly light and dark areas differ.

What is the creation date of "Ralph Vaughan Williams" by Jacob Epstein?

The creation of "Ralph Vaughan Williams" by Jacob Epstein is dated 1950.

Reproduction order sheet

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Dimensions (h × w) Standard custom Standard custom CM INCH CM INCH Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions. choose size Loading sizes... width height Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. This is hand-painted, so for a size with a different shape the artist can paint a bit more around the picture, or cut a bit — you choose. We send you a digital mockup to approve before the painting starts. The picture shown on this page does not show the real result — only the mockup does. Read more
Mounting Moulding ; overall . Above 105 cm the frame is shipped as a kit for a professional framer — read the details.
Alteration of the image	$50—
Executed by	$100—
Nameplate	—
Protective Varnish	$15—
Production and delivery	$30incl.

Customize: replace a face with a photo, add a pet, include a hidden message in the background, change the background. Our team emails you for instructions and provides a mockup preview.
Elite Senior Artist: more detail, finesse, and extra production time.
Glossy varnish: enhances colors, protects against light and moisture.
Nameplates: bronze, 9x2 cm, artist name and title; acrylic, 10x15 cm, artwork informations and QR code.

§ 4The artist

Jacob Epstein

1880 - 1959, United States of America

Quick facts about Jacob Epstein

Name: Jacob Epstein
Movement: Modern Sculpture
Birth Date: 1880-11-10
Death Date: 1959-08-19
Influenced: Henry Moore
Birth Place: New York City, USA
Nationality: American, British
Date Of Birth: 1880
Date Of Death: 1959
Notable Works:
- The Rock Drill
- Rima
- Lydia
- Ralph Vaughan Williams bust
Place Of Birth: New York, United States of America

Artist Biography

Jacob Epstein: A Pioneer of Modern Sculpture

Early Life and Education

Born: November 10, 1880, in New York City, to Jewish immigrant parents.
Experienced hardship early in life, including illness and financial struggles.
Attended the Art Students League of New York (1893-1898), developing foundational skills.
Moved to Paris in 1902 to further his artistic training at the École des Beaux-Arts and Académie Julian.

Artistic Development and Influences

Early Influences: Initially drawn to Rodin’s expressive modeling, but quickly sought a more individual style.
Rejected the prevailing academic traditions of idealized beauty in favor of raw realism.
Inspired by diverse sources including African and primitive art, as well as ancient Greek sculpture – seeking directness and power.
Developed a distinctive rough-hewn style characterized by vigorous modeling and textured surfaces.

Key Characteristics of His Work

Realism: Epstein’s sculptures are known for their unflinching portrayal of the human form, often emphasizing physicality and emotion.
Portraiture: He became renowned for his bronze portrait busts, capturing the essence of his subjects with expressive detail.
Controversy: His work frequently challenged societal norms and provoked strong reactions due to its unconventional subject matter and style.
Subject Matter: Epstein sculpted a wide range of figures, from friends and acquaintances to ordinary people encountered in everyday life.

Major Achievements and Notable Works

The Rock Drill (1913-1915): A powerful and fragmented sculpture representing the dehumanizing effects of industrial labor – a key work demonstrating his avant-garde approach.
Rima (1925): A memorial to W.H. Hudson, featuring a striking female figure that sparked considerable debate.
Portrait Busts: Created numerous acclaimed portrait busts of prominent figures like Professor Samuel Alexander and Sholem Asch.
Epping Forest Watercolors: Also produced a significant body of watercolor paintings depicting the landscapes of Epping Forest, where he lived for a time.

Historical Significance and Legacy

Considered a pivotal figure in the development of modern British sculpture.
Breaking Boundaries: Challenged artistic conventions and paved the way for subsequent generations of sculptors.
His willingness to confront difficult subjects and embrace unconventional forms influenced artists like Henry Moore.
Despite facing criticism, his work gained increasing recognition during his lifetime and continues to be celebrated today.
Henry Moore’s Tribute: After Epstein's death in 1959, Henry Moore eloquently acknowledged his central role in shaping modern sculpture in Britain.

§ 5Comparanda

Related Artworks

§ 6Questions

§ 7Cite this entry

AllPaintingsStore.com, “Jacob Epstein, Ralph Vaughan Williams (1950)”, https://allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/jacob-epstein-ralph-vaughan-williams-D69FVR-en/ArtistReproduction/ (accessed 1 October 2026).

§ 8The reproduction

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. ( Switch to Print Switch to Digital Image)

It is specified on the order sheet in the margin; the present state of that sheet reads as follows.

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

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Elite Senior Artist

More detail, finesse, and extra production time

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Reproduction Frame

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For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a kit, disassembled. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.

Professional assembly required - this is not a DIY product.
The kit must be assembled and the canvas stretched by an experienced professional framer, using wood glue (not supplied), a canvas stretching plier and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries. Incorrect assembly or uneven canvas tension can permanently damage the artwork and is not covered by our warranty.

All solid wood bars are included, precisely cut to size.
Assembled with the screws provided, plus wood glue for the corner joints, which is not supplied and must be sourced by your framer.
Professional tools are required and not included: a canvas stretching plier (tensioner) and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries.

Important:
The corner joints require wood glue, the bars must be held with clamps until the glue is fully dry, and tightening the canvas on the assembled frame requires a canvas stretching plier. None of these are included in the kit. Please arrange an experienced professional framer before ordering this size.

Assembly guide is provided here

Nameplate

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Protective Varnish

Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)

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Customize My Artwork

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.