European Art

Hand-patinated reproduction. Mould made from an impression of the original work exhibited at the Petit Palais.
François Pompon developed an animal theme by observing the tenants of the Jardin des Plantes zoo. In contrast to Rodin's expressionism, he simplifies forms as much as possible, eliminating the anecdotal and bringing out the essence of his subjects. In this way, the artist captures the bear's characteristic movement, while at the same time imbuing it with a timeless character.
The son of a cabinetmaker, François Pompon entered the École des Beaux-Arts in Dijon after working with stone and wood in Saulieu to earn his living.

He studied architecture and sculpture and acquired some rudiments of engraving. In 1874, he moved to Paris, where he came into contact with the contractors who were transforming the Paris of the Second Empire.

He executed decorative figures and caryatids for the façade of the Hôtel de Ville, then joined Rodin as a practitioner, where he remained for fifteen years. He had to wait until the age of 67 and the Salon of 1922 to achieve success with "L'ours blanc".

Best known as an animal sculptor, he exalted the lyricism of light in his polished surfaces and economy of detail. After having been conserved at the Jardin des Plantes, the three hundred pieces bequeathed by F. Pompon have now been transferred to the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Dijon.