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)
Gingko Biloba gold earrings
By Oriental Monkey
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Like many Oriental Monkey jewels, these elegant earrings are inspired by nature. Unique, sustainable, renewable, powerful, like nature itself.... These...
18k Gold
Les Bernard Articulated Leaf Earrings
By Les Bernard
Located in New York, NY
Articulated Leaf Earrings by Les Bernard. Large gold toned clip earrings with bottom leaf dangle. 1980s USA. Excellent condition. 2.75" x 1.75".
Gilt Metal
Schiaparelli Pagan Leaf Earrings
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Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli's lovely multi leaf gilt cluster dangle ear clips in original antiqued patinated finish. Clip back fittings. Excellent Condition, signed with script signature. Length 3.50, Width 1". Schiaparelli's costume jewelery...
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Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Textured Leaves Dangling Earrings
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YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold toned textured leaves dangling earrings embellished with a facetted clear resin bead. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : height ...
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Buccellati Foglia Cardo Gold Leaf Earrings
By Gianmaria Buccellati
Located in Bethesda, MD
From famed Italian jewelry house Buccellati, an iconic pair of Foglia Cardo 18 karat Gold Leaf Earrings ♦ Designer: Gianmaria Buccellati ♦ Metal: 18 karat ♦ Circa 1990s ♦15/16 of a...
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$647Sale Price / set|36% Off
W 1.54 in L 1.93 in
Yves Sant Laurent Rive Gauch Paris clip-on earrings in the shape of a leaf 1980
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Yves Sant Laurent Rive Gauch Paris ear clips in the form of a leaf with blue-green iridescent cut rhinestone from the 1980s. It's a very extraordinary ear clip from YSL. Measuremen...
Crystal, Brass
Vintage 1980s 22K Zolotas Yellow Gold Greek Ginkgo Leaf Clip Earrings
By Zolotas
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of substantial ear clips by the Greek house Zolotas, each modeled as a stylized ginkgo leaf rendered in rich, high-karat 22k yellow gold. The body fans outward from a narrow f...
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Rare Thierry Mugler Earrings Gold Metal Celestial Leaves
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A Thierry Mugler treasure. Extremely rare dangling clip-on earrings. A dazzling embodiment of bold sophistication and organic elegance. Featuring a sculptural gold-tone design, they ...
Dominique Aurientis Baroque Curled Leaf Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Dominique Aurientis Baroque ear clips of white and crystal pate de verre and gilt metal. Large baroque leaves are curled and set with stones, 1980's France. Unsigned. Length 3", w...
Gilt Metal
$78Sale Price|20% Off
Gold Leaf Climber Earrings By Crown Trifari, 1960s
By Trifari
Located in McKinney, TX
- Vintage item - Each earring measures 1.1" tall - Gold plated - Clip on earring backs - By Crown Trifari (signed on clips) - Circa 1960s - Estate acquired - Good vintage cond...
