Augustus John
- Artist: Sir Jacob Epstein
- Date: 1916
- Medium: bronze
- Dimensions: 13 3/4 in. x 10 5/8 in. (350 mm x 270 mm) overall
- Portrays: Augustus Edwin John
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This bronze bust of Augustus Edwin John was made in 1916 by Sir Jacob Epstein. It stands about 13¾ inches tall and its face looks slightly forward with a relaxed head tilt. The smooth bronze surface shows strong cheekbones, a gentle smile, and the subtle shadow on his forehead. John was a leading British avant‑garde artist who lived bohemianly and even resided in a Romany caravan once. Epstein wanted to capture a “wildness” – that untamed quality is visible in John's relaxed pose. The piece is a rare cast of Epstein’s original model, now displayed in the National Portrait Gallery.
See it in person
Augustus John is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
