Bear in a Tuxedo (Miś w smokingu) — Waldemar Świerzy, First Edition 1974

An exceptionally rare first-edition original — one of the most iconic works by Waldemar Świerzy, and a true gem of the Polish School of Poster.

Created in 1974 on commission from the Polish State Entertainment Enterprise (Zjednoczone Przedsiębiorstwa Rozrywkowe), this is the original first print (pierwodruk) — not to be confused with the later 1978 DESA reprint. First editions of this piece are extraordinarily scarce and rarely appear in this condition.

The poster depicts a bear dressed in an elegant tuxedo, holding a small bicycle — a surrealist touch that transforms a circus motif into a work of genuine artistic vision. The bear's poise and absurdity coexist in perfect balance, a hallmark of Świerzy's genius.

Details

• Title: Miś w smokingu (Bear in a Tuxedo)
• Artist: Waldemar Świerzy (1931–2013)
• Year: 1974
• Edition: First edition (pierwodruk)
• Technique: Offset print
• Dimensions: B1 — approx. 68 × 98 cm / 27 × 38 in
• Condition: Mint — no fading, no tears, no restoration
• Origin: Poland

Certificate of Authenticity

Every piece acquired from keepsake.pl is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity issued by the collector and curator behind this collection — a graduate of the postgraduate programme in Art History at the Institute of Philosophy and Art, Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw. The certificate attests to the provenance, edition, and condition of the work, providing full confidence for collectors worldwide.

A Note on Rarity

The 1974 first edition predates the widely circulated 1978 DESA reprint by four years. Original first prints in mint condition are exceptionally rare on the collector's market — this piece represents a singular opportunity for serious collectors of Polish graphic art.

About the Artist

Waldemar Świerzy (1931–2013) was one of the most influential graphic artists and poster designers in Polish history. His work — spanning film, theatre, music, and circus — is celebrated worldwide for its expressive energy, chromatic boldness, and unmistakable personality. A defining figure of the Polish School of Poster, Świerzy's pieces are held in museum collections across Europe and the United States.

Each piece in the keepsake.pl collection is a one-of-a-kind artefact of Polish cultural heritage — carefully sourced, authenticated, and ready to become part of your story.