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 “Eglantine” Copper Hairpin
By Claude Lalanne
Located in New York, NY
Claude Lalanne’s jewelry holds an esteemed place among the world’s most sophisticated and stylish women. This hairpin, designed as a sprawling eglantine rose, is a testament to her c...
Copper
Claude Lalanne (French, 1925-2019) A Rare Pink Silk and Bronze Ginkgo Handbag
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Long Island City, 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, a Rare Gilt-Bronze Dragonfly Frame, France, C. 1985
By Claude Lalanne
Located in Long Island City, 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 3.5" wide Great condition. Ready...
Bronze
$1,104Sale Price|20% Off
Rare “Le Must the Cartier” Paris Logotype 18k Pink Gold & Black Lacquer Lighter
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Rare “Le Must the Cartier” Paris Logotype 18k Pink Gold & Black Lacquer Lighter Rare “Le Must the Cartier” Paris Logotype Pink Gold and Black Lacquer Lighter Cartier Oval lighter wi...
Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Gold
Mexican Sterling Silver Hairpin
Located in Point Richmond, CA
This elegant and simply designed hairpin is perfect for all occasions. Features a curved oval design with a 3.75" pin to secure the hair in place, suitable for half-ups and updos ali...
Sterling Silver
$805
H 8.43 in W 2.17 in D 0.79 in
Antique Chinese Hairpin Flowers Butterfly Silver Brass Metal Wire Glass
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This most amazing hair pin was handcrafted in China in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. It is designed as a bouquet of flowers with a butterfly.
Silver, Brass
$7,400Sale Price|20% Off
W 6.75 in L 9.75 in
Emerald & Diamond Studded Floral Motif Photo Frame In Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This ornate photo frame combines the richness of emeralds and the brilliance of diamonds in an intricate floral motif. Crafted with a blend of gold and silver, it serves as both a fu...
Diamond, Emerald, 10k Gold, Rhodium, Silver, Gold
Cartier Platinum and Diamond Comb, ca. 1925s
By Cartier
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A fine and rare Cartier platinum and diamond comb and case, ca. 1925s, signed Cartier London and numbered 8789, in its original suede pouch. A fine examp...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,250
H 5.25 in W 3.38 in D 2.5 in
Postmodern Silver Plate 'Ripple' Photo Frame by TsAO & McKown for Swid Powell
By Swid Powell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful postmodern silver-plated easel back frame. Designed by TsAO & Mckown for Swid Powell. Model no. 3311 - entitled the "Ripple" frame. Comprising a one-piece, welded ease...
Silver Plate
Vintage 1950s Hermes "Sac G8" Handbag in Black Box Leather
By Hermès
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare 1950s Hermes bag. By Hermes. In Black Box calf leather with gold plated hardware. In the rare G8 form. An elegant and practical take on the...
Buffalo horn hairpin
By Lera Treyger
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Shiori is named for a state of spiritual concentration, a quiet narrowing of the mind’s lens until the world comes into precise, resonant focus. It is the stillness that allows one t...
$14,214
W 3.15 in L 5.56 in
Gustave-Roger Sandoz, Rare Art Deco Silver and Enamel Cigarette Case, circa 1925
Located in Paris, FR
Express Shipping still available during Lockdown Gustave-Roger Sandoz Cigarette Case, Circa 1925 Silver with Enamel geometric decoration on both sides. The clasp set with a cabochon...
Onyx, Silver
$2,726Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.95 in W 3.15 in D 2.37 in
Rare circa 1900 Sterling Silver Diamond and Enamel Powder Compact with Lipstick
Located in GB
Wimbledon Furniture We are delighted to offer For sale this stunning circa 1900 French or Italian Sterling silver Diamond & Enamel powder compact with lipstick...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Rare Important Estate 20th C Cranberry Color French Glass Liquor Perfume Bottle
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare French Cranberry Etched Glass Perfume / Liquor Bottle. Bottle is Etched with Clusters of Grapes and Beautiful Glass Ball Top. Beautifully done with Exquisite Detail. From a Rare New York...
Crystal
Bronze Tone Tiara with Faux Pearls, Beads and Rhinestones
Located in London, GB
Fabulous bronze tone tiara featuring white and bronze faux pearls, black beads and rhinestones. It has an unusual twig design. Measuring maximum width at the front 5.8 cm / 2.28 inc...