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)
Claude Lalanne, a Rare Gilt-Bronze Dragonfly Frame, France, C. 1985
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Claude Lalanne (1925-2019) A rare gilt-bronze dragonfly frame, France C. 1985, Signed on reverse Cl. Lalanne Artcurial 25/450. Measures: 4" high x 3...
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
Claude Lalanne (1925-2019), Chaise Horta, heliogravure on paper
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Claude Lalanne (1925-2019), Chaise Horta, heliogravure on paper This original print by Claude Lalanne is from a rare and unsigned edition of 350. It depicts the famous Horta chair, one of the most beautiful furniture of the artist. Technique : heliogravure on Rivoli paper Dimensions of the paper : 34 x 27 cm (13,4 x 10,6 inches) With Francois Xavier Lalanne (1908-2008), Claude Lalanne is the most famous French sculptor of the second half of the twentieth century. Her work is characterized by the flower and animal imagery. He studied art at the Académie Julian in Paris. She was introduced to many Surrealist and Modernist figures, such as Man Ray, Max Ernst, Marcel Duchamp, Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely, and Constantin Brancusi. Supported by gallerists like Alexandre Iolas, Leo Castelli, Paul Kasmin...
Paper
Claude Lalanne (French, 1925-2019) A Rare Pink Silk and Bronze Ginkgo Bag
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Indulge in the enchanting world of Claude Lalanne with the exquisite Ginkgo Handbag, a wearable masterpiece from Lalanne's iconic Ginkgo collection. Crafted with unparalleled artistr...
Bronze
Claude Lalanne, "Pomme Bouche", A bronze brooch, Arthus-Bertrand, Paris
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Paris, FR
Claude Lalanne (1924-2019) Pomme Bouche A patinated bronze brooch figuring an apple with a human mouth surmounted with a green patinated leaf next to the apple tail. Monogrammed « C.L. » and « Lalanne » on the back. With maker’s mark « A-B PARIS ». Edited by Arthus-Bertrand, Paris, France. Circa 1990. Note This elegant brooch epitomizes the poetic universe of Claude Lalanne. Mixing human, animal and vegetal elements is one the originalities of the Lalanne creative duo during their decades of collaboration. Claude & François Lalanne...
Bronze
Claude Lalanne (1925-2019), La société des crocodiles, heliogravure
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Claude Lalanne (1925-2019), La société des crocodiles, heliogravure on paper This original print by Claude Lalanne is from a rare and unsigned edition of 350. It depicts the famous crocodile bench, one of the most beautiful furniture of the artist. Technique : heliogravure on Rivoli paper Dimensions of the paper : 34 x 27 cm (13,4 x 10,6 inches) With Francois Xavier Lalanne (1908-2008), Claude Lalanne is the most famous French sculptor of the second half of the twentieth century. Her work is characterized by the flower and animal imagery. He studied art at the Académie Julian in Paris. She was introduced to many Surrealist and Modernist figures, such as Man Ray, Max Ernst, Marcel Duchamp, Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely, and Constantin Brancusi. Supported by gallerists like Alexandre Iolas, Leo Castelli, Paul Kasmin...
Paper
Claude Lalanne (1925-2019), Lit Bou, heliogravure on paper
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Claude Lalanne (1925-2019), Lit Bou, heliogravure on paper This original print by Claude Lalanne is from a rare and unsigned edition of 350. It depicts her famous bed, one of the most beautiful furniture of the artist. Technique : heliogravure on Rivoli paper Dimensions of the paper : 34 x 27 cm (13,4 x 10,6 inches) With Francois Xavier Lalanne (1908-2008), Claude Lalanne is the most famous French sculptor of the second half of the twentieth century. Her work is characterized by the flower and animal imagery. He studied art at the Académie Julian in Paris. She was introduced to many Surrealist and Modernist figures, such as Man Ray, Max Ernst, Marcel Duchamp, Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely, and Constantin Brancusi. Supported by gallerists like Alexandre Iolas, Leo Castelli, Paul Kasmin...
Paper
$440Sale Price|20% Off
H 12 in W 9 in D 0.2 in
Contemporary French Tapestries, rare and collectible coffee table book, 1966
Located in View Park, CA
A very rare and collectible coffee table catalogue: Contemporary French Tapestries: New York, Charles E. Slatkin Inc., Galleries, 1965. Paperback. Brown wrap with orange lettering. 40 pp. Numerous color and black and white plates...
Paper
A fine Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Photo frame
Located in London, GB
A superb Napoleon III gilt bronze and satin lined photo frame, with space for three photos. Superb gilt bronze mounts, of good size. With a strut foot, or hoops, allowing it to be pl...
Bronze
$880Sale Price|20% Off
H 11.38 in W 7.5 in D 9.5 in
Fine Antique French Neoclassical Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Picture Frame
Located in Miami, FL
A fine ornate antique French Louis XV style gilt bronze photo frame with back easel stand, Napoleon III era, circa 1880. Richly decorated with neoclassical style motifs such as faces...
Bronze
$3,450
H 15 in W 10 in D 0.65 in
Wonderful French Ormolu Purple Enamel Gilt Bronze Bow Picture Frame Miniature
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful and rare French ormolu bronze and purple enamel picture frame with a miniature on the top with bows and tassels. Frame: 10" W X 15" H Picture:7" W X 9&q...
Bronze, Enamel
Contemporary Bronze Sculpture by Bertrand Créac'h, France, 2021
By Bertrand Créac'h
Located in London, GB
"Elevation" Sculpture by Bertrand Créac'h, 2021 Bronze with black patina, cast iron with sand core, chiseled and patinated. 1/8 print, signed. Dimensions: H 80 x 18.5 x 7 cm The bronze sculptur, belongs to a series that abstractly interprets the balance and harmony of the rocky, mineral landscapes of Brittany — the artist’s native region. His work translates emotion and memory into spatial forms carved from lived experience. Handcrafted Cast Bronze Edition of 8 pieces + 4 AP. Signed and numbered, foundry mark. ______ Bertrand Créac'h is a french sculptor. He studied at the Ecole Boulle in Paris and met the artists Étienne Martin...
Bronze
Gilt Bronze Frame, Contemporary Work
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rectangular shape gilt bronze frame with a decor of small beads agglomerate. Contemporary work.
Bronze
$2,600
H 12 in W 9 in D 5 in
Vetement Couture Limited Edition Calfskin Paperbag Clutch Messenger Bag, 2019
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vetement Couture limited edition calfskin paperbag clutch messenger bag, fall winter 2019. Numbered, limited edition.
Magnets
Patinated Bronze Stag Sculpture Signed "Barye"
By Antoine-Louis Barye
Located in Lambertville, NJ
"Antoine Louis Barye (1796-1875) Large standing Stag patinated bronze in beautiful original condition. The Bronze with brown patina. Signed o...
Bronze
$175
H 10.5 in W 9.5 in D 0.25 in
Les Lalannes: Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne (Exhibition Catalog)
By Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne
Located in New York, NY
Catalog accompanying an exhibition held at New York’s Marisa Del Rey Gallery from May-June 1988. Features both independent and collaborative work by the French artists Claude and Fra...
Paper
Christo and Jeanne-Claude Wrapped Reichstag, 1971
By Christo and Jeanne-Claude
Located in North Miami, FL
Christo and Jeanne-Claude, American, Bulgarian and Moroccan, b. 1935-2020 and 1935-2009. Newly framed and hand-signed. Title: Wrapped Reichstag Serie...
Glass, Paper
$4,420
H 5.71 in W 9.06 in D 3.94 in
Bronze Sculpture of a Basset Hound in Patinated Bronze, sign Barye.
By Antoine-Louis Barye
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
19th century patinated bronze sculpture of a Basset hound, animal sculpture, signed Barye, antique cast, red marble base. H: 14.5cm, W: 23cm, D: 10cm Please contact us before order...
Bronze
Clodion (Claude Michel) - small bronze sculpture depicting Cupid
By Claude Michel Clodion
Located in Fidenza, IT
Small bronze sculpture depicting the God of Love made between the 18th and 19th centuries by Claude Michel, also known by the pseudonym Clodion. The sculpture depicts a curly-haired ...
Marble, Bronze
Claude Lalanne Hortensia Or Hydrangea Floral Necklace Edition Artcurial
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Chicago, IL
Claude Lalanne Hortensia or Hydrangia Vermeil necklace. Composed of a series of sculpted flower petals. Signed and numbered 53 of 100 edition. Edition Artcurial, Paris. 53/100 Origi...
Vermeil
Sold
H 0.79 in W 16.34 in D 11.03 in
Claude Lalanne, Tray Bambou Gilt Bronze Silver Plated Ed. Artcurial AP III/VIII
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Tray "Bamboo" made in gilded bronze and silver plated by Claude Lalanne in 1980. Engraved signature on tray. Artist proof numbered III / VIII. Artcurial Edition - stamped on back. ...
Silver Plate, Bronze
Sold
H 0.79 in W 16.34 in D 11.03 in
Claude Lalanne, Tray Bambou Gilt Bronze Silver Plated Ed. Artcurial AP III/VIII
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Tray "Bamboo" made in gilded bronze and silver plated by Claude Lalanne in 1980. Engraved signature on tray. Artist proof numbered III / VIII. Artcurial Edition - stamped on back. ...
Silver Plate, Bronze
Claude Lalanne Necklace Papillon, 1989
By Claude Lalanne, Artcurial
Located in Munich, DE
Claude Lalanne (1924-2019) gilt bronze necklace designed as a butterfly executed by Artcurial 1989 in a edition of 250. Comes with the original suede pouch stamped Artcurial. The nec...
Bronze
Claude Lalanne Phagocyte Spoon Edition Artcurial, 1991
By Artcurial, Claude Lalanne
Located in Munich, DE
Silvered bronze spoon Phagocyte by Claude Lalanne, signed and stamped “C.Lalanne Artcurial”.
Bronze
Sold
H 1.19 in W 1.19 in D 0.4 in
Claude Lalanne Butterfly Silver Earrings, 1988, with Certificate Of Authenticity
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Brussels, BE
Claude Lalanne (1925-2019) butterfly earrings, edited by Artcurial c. 1988, Paris. Sterling silver 925. Numbered 41/50. In is original box with "Certificate of Authenticity...
Sterling Silver
Claude Lalanne, "Pomme Bouche"
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Paris, FR
Gilt bronze Stamped ‘Lalanne’ / ‘Artcurial’ & Monogram ‘CL’ Edition 190/250.
Bronze
Sold
H 1.75 in Dm 1.5 in
Claude Lalanne Brouche "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 m...
Bronze
Claude Lalanne, Chèvrefeuille Candleholder, France
By Claude Lalanne
Located in New York, NY
Claude Lalanne, Chèvrefeuille candleholder, France. Limited edition.
Bronze
Sold
H 1.75 in Dm 1.5 in
Claude Lalanne Brouche "Pomme Bouche" Patinated Bronze Brooch Signed CL Lalanne
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Chicago, IL
A brooch Pomme Bouche by Claude Lalanne. Patinated bronze brooch, 1990 signed with editions mark and monogrammed. Arthus-Bertrand. In 1996 the pin was rep...
Bronze
Claude Lalanne Brouche "Pomme Bouche" Patinated Bronze Brooch Signed
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Chicago, IL
A brooch Pomme Bouche by Claude Lalanne. Patinated bronze brooch, 1990 signed with editions mark and monogrammed. Arthus-Bertrand. In 1996 the pin was r...
Bronze
French Porcelain Salt Cellars by Claude Lalanne
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Chicago, IL
A pair of French Porcelain Salt Cellars by Francois-Xavier Lalanne designed for Porcelain de Sevres, Paris. Done as ducks, the tail is the spoo...
Porcelain