Theodor Kittelsen: White Bear King Valemon (1912) | Art Print

Theodor Kittelsen White Bear King Valemon poster reproduces the artist’s 1912 interpretation of Kvitebjørn kong Valemon, one of the best-known Norwegian fairy-tale motifs. A princess rides on the back of the great white bear through a mist-filled forest, and Kittelsen turns the journey into an image of trust, enchantment and uncertainty.

In short: a Norwegian fairy-tale art print with a softer, more luminous mood than many of Kittelsen’s darker troll and supernatural subjects.

Theodor Kittelsen White Bear King Valemon Poster

The 1912 work is based on the Norwegian folk tale Kvitebjørn kong Valemon. Kittelsen had illustrated the story earlier, but this later colour version gives the motif a broader, more dreamlike atmosphere. The pale bear moves through a forest softened by mist while the princess sits high on its back, making the scene feel both protective and uncanny.

The work’s longer title comes directly from the tale:

“Har du sittet mjukere, har du sett klarere?”

The question captures the strange intimacy of the scene. The bear is an enchanted king, and the journey belongs to a story in which appearances conceal identity. Kittelsen’s handling of the forest reinforces that idea: trees, mist and animal form seem to merge into one quiet fairy-tale world.

The original was signed and dated 1912 and executed in mixed media, including pencil, watercolour and gouache on paper. It was exhibited at Norway’s Jubilee Exhibition in 1914 and later in major Kittelsen exhibitions. In 2024, the original was sold at Grev Wedels Plass Auksjoner in Oslo for NOK 36 million.

Artwork and Product Details

Available Sizes

A Norwegian Fairy-Tale Print with a Lighter Mood

The creamy white of the bear, soft green forest and drifting haze give this picture an unusually gentle presence. It works particularly well in bedrooms, reading corners and calm gallery walls where you want folklore and story without a heavy or dramatic colour palette.

See more Norwegian art prints, or continue into Kittelsen’s fairy-tale world with Soria Moria Palace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is White Bear King Valemon?

White Bear King Valemon is an enchanted king in a Norwegian folk tale. Kittelsen shows the princess riding on his back through the forest.

When did Theodor Kittelsen create this version?

The original work is signed and dated 1912.

What materials did Kittelsen use?

The original is a mixed-media work on paper using pencil, watercolour and gouache.

Is this the same image as Kittelsen’s earlier book illustration?

No. Kittelsen illustrated the tale earlier, but this 1912 work is a later colour interpretation of the motif.

What sizes is this poster available in?

The print is available in five sizes from 30 × 40 cm to 70 × 100 cm.

Artwork reference: Grev Wedels Plass Auksjoner.