Yves Klein, a renowned French artist, created L'Ours Pompon as an homage to the famous sculpture by François Pompon. Klein, known for his signature International Klein Blue (IKB), transformed the original white bear sculpture by covering it entirely in his vivid blue hue. This act of applying his unique blue pigment to the sculpture not only pays tribute to Pompon's work but also imbues it with Klein's distinctive artistic philosophy, which emphasizes the immateriality and boundlessness of color.

François Pompon, a celebrated sculptor of the early 20th century, was renowned for his simplified and elegant animal forms. His original Ours Blanc (White Bear) is a quintessential example of his style, characterized by smooth, flowing lines and an absence of intricate details, which captures the essence of the animal in a modern, minimalist way. Klein's reinterpretation of Pompon's bear aligns with his own artistic pursuits, where he often sought to strip objects and forms down to their purest essence, using color as a primary means of expression.

Klein's decision to cover L'Ours Pompon in IKB is significant not only for its aesthetic impact but also for its conceptual implications. The deep, vibrant blue is intended to evoke a sense of the infinite and the immaterial, qualities that Klein believed could transcend the physical limitations of the object. By enveloping Pompon's bear in this color, Klein creates a piece that challenges viewers to reconsider their perception of space, form, and color. The blue bear stands as a symbol of Klein's belief in the power of color to communicate profound and intangible ideas.

L'Ours Pompon by Yves Klein is more than just a reinterpretation of a classic sculpture; it is a dialogue between two artists across time. Klein's use of his iconic blue not only transforms the physical appearance of Pompon's work but also infuses it with a new layer of meaning. This transformation invites viewers to reflect on the interplay between form and color, the material and the immaterial, and the ways in which contemporary artists can pay homage to their predecessors while pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.