circa 1970
François-Xavier Lalanne was born in 1927 in Agen. After the war, he moved to Paris where he studied at the Académie Julian to become a painter. On the occasion of his first exhibition at the Cimaise Gallery in Paris in 1952, Lalanne met Claude Dupeux (Lalanne), his future wife. After meeting her, he gave up painting and started working with her.
The first joint exhibition for Claude and François-Xavier, titled "Zoophite," took place in 1964 at the J. Gallery. They revealed their creations — hybrids of sculptures and everyday objects. In 1966, they introduced themselves under the name Les Lalanne.
The two artists each created their own works but shared a common universe inspired by the animal and plant world and often exhibited together.
François-Xavier invented a bestiary composed of monkeys, rhinos, donkeys, camels, toads, hippos and cats. Among them, the sheep was undoubtedly his favorite animal. Alone or in a flock, with or without a head, sheathed in the fleece of sheep or not, his sheep sculptures can also constitute seats. His will, shared by Claude, was to desacralize the sculpture to give it a familiar dimension.
François-Xavier and Claude are also known for their public commissions. For example, in France, François-Xavier created two concrete pigeons in the city of Grande-Borne in Grigny, and Les Pleureuses (“The Mourners”) is a monumental fountain created in 1986 by the couple that was installed at the Hakone Open-Air Museum in Japan.
The work of Les Lalanne is exhibited throughout the world, presented in both galleries and museums. The retrospective organized in 2010 by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is one of the last major exhibitions of the duo.
Find authentic Claude Lalanne furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by Bailly Gallery Geneva-Paris)
Pomme Bouche
By Claude Lalanne
Located in PARIS, FR
Edition Signed with the stamp: Lalanne Monogrammed, marked and numbered under the apple: CL ; Artcurial ; 57/250 Literature Robert Rosenblum, Les Lalanne, Genève, Éditions Skira, 1991, an other version reproduced p. 123. Claude et François...
Bronze
Broche pomme-bouche
By Claude Lalanne
Located in PARIS, FR
EDITION Signed and monogrammed. Edition Arthus Bertrand, Paris
Bronze
Bougeoir Buisson d'or
By Claude Lalanne
Located in PARIS, FR
EDITION Monogrammed, stamped and dated on reverse: C.L ; Lalanne ; 87
Bronze, Copper
Grand Vase Éventail
By Claude Lalanne
Located in PARIS, FR
One of Claude Lalanne’s most recognizable botanical forms, inspired by the natural movement and structure of large leaves or unfolding foliage • A strong example of her ability to t...
Brass
Cadre Libellule
By François-Xavier Lalanne
Located in PARIS, FR
• One of Claude Lalanne’s most iconic motifs, reflecting her poetic vision of transforming elements from the natural world into sculptural objects • A perfect example of her unique ...
Bronze
Oiseau Bleu
By François-Xavier Lalanne
Located in PARIS, FR
• Model created in 1979 by François-Xavier Lalanne, edited by Artcurial, cast in patinated bronze and brass • Part of Lalanne’s celebrated bestiary, a central theme in his sculptura...
Bronze
20th Century, François Xavier and Claude Lalanne attr. Centerpiece 70s
By Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Claude Lalanne was a French sculptor and designer. Her career is closely linked to the duo Les Lalanne that she formed with her husband, Francois-Xavier; they shared a poetical and d...
Bronze
Claude Lalanne Brooch Pomme Bouche Patinated Bronze Brooch Signed CL Lalanne
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Chicago, IL
Surrealistic Pomme Bouche brooch by Claude Lalanne, created in 1975. Bronze with a dark brown patina and a verdigris leaf and stem, signed with editions mark and monogrammed Arthus-B...
Bronze
Ruth Bloch, Kiss, romantic bronze sculpture, minimalist sculpture
By Ruth Bloch
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Ruth Bloch, Bronze sculpture, Kiss, 2 figures, classic theme , romantic sculpture, minimalist sculpture
Bronze
Dorit Levinstein Israeli Two Heads Bronze Sculpture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Dorit Levinstein Israeli Two Heads Bronze Sculpture This sculpture measures: 14.5 wide x 4.75 deep x 7.75 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studio to show as ...
Bronze
Vintage Bronze Sculpture " Lovers Embrace" By Victor Zaikine, 1970's
By Zak Zaikine 1
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing vintage sensual bronze vintage sculpture by Victor Zaikine is wonderful from every angle. The lovers embrace surrounding the bowl of life. ...
Bronze, Other
Kissing Couple
By Lydia Da Silva
Located in Somerset West, WC
Kissing couple is a limited edition bronze sculpture. Created with the lost wax casting process.
Bronze
Partners in both life and art, "Les Lalanne," as they were known, won acclaim from tastemakers like Peter Marino and Reed Krakoff for their now much-coveted furniture, jewelry and art.
A 2001 canvas turns forest into color and line — a confident gesture from a fiercely independent artist.
