EPSTEIN'S CHRIST.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 125, 8 March 1935, Page 5

EPSTEIN'S CHRIST.

MASSIVE MARBLE STATUE. A SHOCK FOR CHRISTIANS. fUnited Press Association—Copyright). LONDON 1 , March 7. The sculptor Jacob Epstein's annual sensation is on exhibition at the Leicester Galleries. It is an eleven-foot marble weighing seven tons, representing Christ crowned with thorns. The rough simplicity of the carving recalls Easter Island figures. There is just enough detad to suggest tortured features and roped hands. The "Manchester Guardian" regards "Behold the Man" as. the most impressive of Epstein's great figures. "The Times" expresses the opinion

that its principal weakness is an attempt at special facial significance which detracts from its impressiveness, making it sentimental. . The "Daily Mail" declares that no previous work by Epstein will have produced such a thunder and lightning of disapproval as this. ' It will profoundly shock sincere Christians because nothing further from their con- . ccption of Christ is imaginable. The "News-Chronicle" says the figure expresses pain and wretchedness, without hope of a resurrection or of eternal life. . s - The "Evening News" regards the face as pugnacious. Epstein himself declines to explain it, "I made it," he says. "There It is for all to interpret for themselves." The price is 3000 guineas. ■.'.'','?.-.