Lazarus Sculpture by Jacob Epstein in Battersea Park

Sir Jacob Epstein was a British sculptor who led the way in modern sculpture. He was knighted in 1954 and died in London in 1959. This sculpture was Epstein’s last major carving and was titled ‘Lazarus’. It was part of an open air exhibition in Battersea Park held from May until September 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain. The sculpture was subsequently purchased by New College, Oxford and stands in the college chapel. It depicts Lazarus, who has been raised from the dead, struggling to free himself from his bindings as told in John’s gospel.