Artist: Sir Jacob Epstein Title: “Peggy Jean Looking Up” AKA “Fifth Portrait of Peggy Jean” Production Date: 1906-1910 Material: Cast bronze sculpture with black patina Provenance: Receipt for purchase By Douglas A West (my uncle after whom I was named) directly from artist signed by the artist for 75 Bp on 12/17/1934; inherited by his wife, Edith West, in the mid 50’s I believe. I’m guessing Edith died in 1977 as there is an appraisal by Bonham’s in London from 03/07/1977 at Bp770 (and Baby Asleep at 715 Bp). There is a Fine Arts Appraisers appraisal from 12/13/1993 following my father’s death in July 1993 for $10,000 (Sleeping Baby was valued at $20,000).Both 1993 appraisals were based on a 1963 book by Richard Buckle titled Jacob Epstein Sculptor which calls into question the legitimacy of these appraisals given that a 30 year old book was used as source reference material. There is a note in my mother’s hand, with no attribution, that “Peggy Jean” was valued at $7,500 and “Baby” $16,000 “in 2000,” the year she died, when my wife and I bought both pieces from her estate for $3,500 total. In 2011 we contacted Sotheby’s, hoping to enlist their help selling “Peggy” which They said would sell likely for $3000 which was their minimum value to accept so we decided to hold on and park Peggy in the closet. Dimensions: BASE: 7inx5inx2in at top; 8inx6inx2in at bottom, weight 8lbs 7oz SCULPTURE: 9inx8inx8in, weight: 12lbs 11.4oz COMBINED: 11inx8inx8in, weight: 21lbs 2oz
Douglas West of London before death
Dear Douglas,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The presented object appears to be a patinated bronze with the measurements of 9 x 8 x 8 inches. The bronze depicts the portrait of a young girl with long hair and has the title “Peggy Jean Looking Up” or “Fifth Portrait of Peggy Jean”. This bronze was made by the artist Jacob EPSTEIN (1880-1959). There are comparable bronzes with the same or similar motif sold in the last years between 1.500 to 3.500 USD.
Works by this artist were recently offered and sold on the international auction market.
This piece is in good condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 2.000 to 3.500 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.
With kind regards,
Georg