Keyring with the effigy of the White Bear of the sculptor François Pompon, the famous sculpture of the Orsay Museum.
Figurine edited in partnership with the brand Papo.
The original work: the white bear sculpture
François Pompon exhibited his *White Bear* for the first time at the 1922 Salon d'Automne. It came as a complete surprise: submitted via photograph, the work had been accepted by the jury, who had not realised the imposing dimensions of the large plaster cast. At the age of 67, the artist finally achieved success with this sculpture, which stood out for its modernism amidst the legacy of 19th-century art.
Further reading on the work
How faithful are the reproductions?
The current reproductions are produced using an ultra-high-definition 3D scan of the original sculpture, carried out in collaboration with the François Pompon Association. This technique ensures that the forms and volumes conceived by the artist are faithfully reproduced, including a cast of his signature. The official editions thus preserve the purity of the lines and the polished surfaces characteristic of Pompon.
Where to see the Pompon bear: Orsay, Dijon and Jardin Darcy?
François Pompon's white bear features in several iconic versions across France. The most famous example has been at the Musée d'Orsay since 1986: a monumental version in Lens stone commissioned by the State in 1927, measuring 163 cm high by 251 cm long, whose photographs reveal the full power of the original work and which a miniature figurine faithfully reproduces. The Musée des Beaux-Arts in Dijon, meanwhile, houses a small-scale version in white marble, allowing visitors to appreciate the history and stylistic evolution of the Burgundian sculptor in a more intimate setting. Finally, since 26 May 1937, a faithful reproduction by Henry Martinet has welcomed visitors at the entrance to the Jardin Darcy; this monumental copy pays tribute to the sculptor, a native of Saulieu, and is now an iconic symbol of Dijon.
Where can I buy a Pompon bear?
Official reproductions of the white bear are available in our online shop Boutiques de musées, including those at the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Dijon. These editions are faithful reproductions of François Pompon's original work and include the artist's signature.
