Raised by his mother Anne Czapnik who encouraged his precocious talent, he began his artistic training in his hometown alongside Zygmunt Landau before completing his studies in Munich until 1910. A first visit to Paris in 1912 saw him participate in the creation of the magazine "Machmadim", devoted to Jewish art, a collaboration with Pinchus Krémègne, Léon Indenbaum and Isaac Lichtenstein which testifies to his community commitment.
After his military service in the Polish army, he settled permanently in La Ruche in 1913, a cosmopolitan artistic center where he formed decisive friendships with Amedeo Modigliani, Chaïm Soutine and Pinchus Krémègne. At the same time, he attended the Académie de la Grande Chaumière, completing his technical training.
His recognition was further strengthened by police commissioner and collector Léon Zamaron, who singled him out. This endorsement influenced Jonas Netter, another important collector, who also included Epstein in his acquisitions, establishing his reputation on the art market.
His marriage to Suzanne Dorignac brought him into an influential artistic family: he became brother-in-law to the painter André Hébuterne and the sculptors Marcel Damboise and Louis Dideron. From 1930, supported by his patron Dr. Gilles, he made fruitful trips to Brittany and Marseille, painting on location in the Old Port.
In 1938, the acquisition of a house in Épernon marked a period of blossoming that was abruptly interrupted. Arrested by the Gestapo, probably following a denunciation, he passed through the Chartres remand center on February 23, 1944, then through Drancy before being deported on March 7 by convoy No. 69 to Auschwitz where he died, adding his name to the tragic list of artists who were victims of the Holocaust.
