The work has two very different sides to it - recto: Woman Clasping a Phallus/ verso: Birth. The two sides are not meant to be read in terms of the back and front of the same object, but rather as the beginning and end of a story normally separated in time; the onset of desire and its ultimate fruits. It is a daring sculpture, not just in its subject matter, but also in its form and conception. Epstein is showing sexuality and creation on the same object but in such a way that they can never be seen together.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Flenite Relief, 1913
Date supported
2006
Medium and material
Serpentine stone
Dimensions
30.5 x 28 x 9 cm
Grant
23764
Total cost
137835
Get a National Art Pass and explore Leeds Art Gallery
You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK
National Art Pass offers available at Leeds Art Gallery
10% off in shop
Receive 10% off in the shop when you show your National Art Pass at the till.
Expires: 1 Jan 2026
Art Funded by you FAQs
Contact us
If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.