Little Eileen 1927 by Sir Jacob Epstein is a figurative bronze sculpture, 35 cm high, 30 cm wide, and 30 cm deep. The work presents a child’s portrait, mounted on a stand, with Epstein’s characteristic balance of simplicity and presence.

The child’s hair is styled in a shoulder length bob, framing her face in a soft, rounded form. She looks straight ahead, her expression calm and neutral. There is no smile, yet the stillness creates a quiet intensity, allowing the viewer to linger on the delicacy of her features. The face is smooth and youthful, while the weight of the bronze adds permanence and gravity, contrasting with the fleeting nature of childhood.

Epstein captures not just the likeness of a child but also a moment of still reflection. The absence of embellishment draws attention to the purity of form, with clean lines shaping the contours of the cheeks, nose, and mouth. The bronze surface enhances these details, its subtle textures and tonal variations giving life to the portrait.

Though modest in scale, the piece feels monumental in character. It carries an emotional depth that resonates far beyond its size, portraying innocence, quiet strength, and timeless humanity. Mounted on its stand, Little Eileen 1927 stands as both an intimate likeness and a universal symbol of childhood.