The figurine is inspired by the iconic logo of His Master’s Voice, which itself is based on a famous painting by artist Francis Barraud. The painting depicts Nipper, a dog inherited by Barraud after the death of his brother Mark. Mark had recorded his voice on phonograph cylinders, and whenever Nipper heard these recordings, he would curiously listen to the sound of his late master’s voice coming from the phonograph—hence the name “His Master’s Voice.” The artist was so captivated by this that he immortalized the scene in a painting.
Initially, the artwork featured an Edison phonograph. Barraud offered the painting to the Edison company, but they showed no interest. Later, he presented it to the Gramophone Company, who agreed to buy it—on the condition that the phonograph be replaced with their own gramophone featuring a trumpet-shaped speaker.
The painting eventually became the official logo of the company, which later adopted the name “His Master’s Voice” after the title of the artwork. Today, it remains one of the most recognizable symbols in the music industry.