François-Xavier Lalanne’s Little Bear, A Solemn Yet Sensitive Bronze Sculpture

Standing on its hind legs, this bronze bear on the lookout is one of a small edition of eight pieces—it bears the number 1—cast by Bocquel in 1986.

Everyone knows François Pompon’s bear, but probably not as many are familiar with François-Xavier Lalanne’s. The *Petit ours*, standing 50 cm tall,was created c. 1984–1985 —more than twentyyears beforethe *Très grand ours*, which stands three meters tall. This was an intense period for the artist, who exhibited with his wife Claude at the Daniel Templon Gallery and at Artcurial, as well as in the United States.“At that time, Lalanne was moving away from the decorative arts and furniture sets that had made his reputation, such as the Rhinocrétaire, ” explains expert Alexandre Lacroix. “He decided to focus on animals and to depict them in all their authenticity.”

In addition to the bear, he enriched his poetic and fantastical bestiary with several other creatures, such as the Wapiti, the Goldcrest, and even Bibi and Loulou, the couple’s two dogs. In the case of the Little Bear,“what interests him is the animal’s stillness, animated by a tension that we can feel very clearly.”

The small mammal stands on its hind legs, ears pricked up and head slightly turned, on the lookout.“It’s truly a beautiful bronze,”adds Alexandre Lacroix. “The deep chisel marks that run throughout it, beautifully rendered by the lost-wax casting process, highlight the animal’s volumes.” It was cast onOctober22, 1986, by the Boquel foundry, with which the artist collaborated until its closure in 2008.“It was acquired by the owners’ parents directly from Lalanne, likely c. 1986 or 1987. In addition to being a unique piece, it bears the number1 out of the eight produced, which makes it even more desirable to collectors.”

In the Footsteps of François Pompon’s Bear 

Often feared and unloved, the bear has nonetheless provided one of the oldest animal motifs in the history of art. It appears in various civilizations as a fascinating creature, symbolizing power for some, and wisdom and protection for others. Jean de LaFontaine, in his *Fables*, portrays it as the embodiment of a generous force, albeit one sometimes lacking in discernment.

This interpretation could not help but appeal to François-Xavier, whose animals become characters in their own right. This bear thus exudes a presence that is at once monumental and hieratic—much like the Egyptian sculptures the artist observed while working as a guard at the Louvre (1946–1948) to finance his studies at the Académie Julian—and sensitive… An approach that places it in the tradition of François Pompon’s work, while modernizing it.

“There’s something of Jules Verne in this sculpture,”adds the expert. The animal’s features are synthetic, almost robotic, and yet realistic at the same time. That’s what makes it so original.” All these qualities should ensure that this Little Bear is readily embraced.