Jacob and the Angel was created by Sir Jacob Epstein in 1941. It depicts Jacob wrestling with the angel and is carved from an enormous block of alabaster and stands nearly seven feet tall. The ambiguous nature of the pose meant that for many years this magnificent piece was relegated to being in the Tussaud Seaside show at Blackpool, a decision the Bishop believes says much about attitudes in Britain. It was rescued and brought to the Tate in 1996. Bishop Christopher was bowled over when he first saw the piece. He tries to look at the sculpture whenever his duties at the House of Lords allows him time to stroll down the embankment to the Tate.
 | | Bishop Christopher and his favourite sculpture |
He is inspired by the sheer physicality of the figures. The legs and thighs of the angel are massive and sinewy and the transparency of the alabaster give a textural depth which in places look like blood vessels and veins. The piece is based on Jacob wrestling with the angel described In Genesis. Carved in London by a Polish artist in 1941 there are perhaps resonances of a human struggle against adversity. Could the Jacob also be Jacob the artist in his own personal struggle? For Bishop Christopher though it's a human struggle which results in man being lifted up before God. As a published authority on Divine Art, Bishop Christopher is soon to be taking fellow Bishops on a tour of Tate Britain. You don't need to guess where they'll dwell longest. Listen You can listen to Bishop Christopher speak about the sculpture to BBC Three Counties Radio Religious Producer Ian Pearce as they visit Tate Britain together. | 
