Biographies

Born in Burgundy, the native land of great sculptors such as Claus Sluter and Rude, François Pompon first worked in a marble factory and studied sculpture at the school of Fine Arts of Dijon and produced some etchings before 1874, the year he left for Paris where he completed his studies and worked for a group of builders who were then transforming the outlook of the French capital. He also attended evening courses at the school of Decorative arts and met the sculptor Rouillard who interested him in producing animal sculptures. Pompon then worked with Mercié, Falguière and Rodin. Pompon took part in many exhibitions and was one Rodin's best assistants. Ignoring Barye's lyrical style, he was above all interested in suggesting forms and with Rodin's encouragement produced some stunning works such as the Polar Bear shown at the 1922 Salon d'Automne.
Thus becoming famous at 67, Pompon created many other masterpieces during the last ten years of his career. His “Bull”, ordered by the town of Paris was his last. The old peasant who started without any diploma eventually became a much respected artist among intellectual circles.