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 (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
$708
H 11.82 in W 20.87 in D 1.19 in Dm 20.87 in
Large antique fan in embroidered champagne and bone-colored silk
Located in VALLADOLID, ES
A beautiful antique fan, possibly from the late 19th or early 20th century, in a Romantic style, from a private collection. The sticks are made of hand-pyrographed and openwork bone,...
$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
Bownite and Enamel Fabergé Frame
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
A jewelled gold-mounted bowenite and enamel frame, Fabergé, Michael Perchin, St. Petersburg, before 1899, the circular bowenite frame centred by translucent mauve bezel with applied ...
Diamond, Other, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
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
$3,415
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
$14,062
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
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...
Cartier Apple Mid-Century Modern Picture Frame Sterling Silver
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning and rare Cartier Sterling Silver Picture Frame in an Apple Motif. The frame is signed Cartier and is a fabulous Mid-Century Modern piece of vintage Cartier. I l...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Fine French Art Deco Enamel and Diamond Figural Bag
Located in Riverdale, NY
Superb French Art Deco Enamel and Diamond Figural Bag from the 1930's. French 18k gold frame with Art Deco vibrant enamels in black, lime green and faux la...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
$500Sale Price|50% Off
W 5 in D 0.5 in L 6 in
English Silver Estate Kitney & Co Silversmith Rococo Hammered Photo Frame
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Monumental Kitney and Co. Silversmith Silver Photo Frame having fine scrolling detail. Taken out of a Several Million Dollar New York Cit...
Silver
Victorian Oval Gemstone & Diamond Photo Frame in 14k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This Victorian-style oval photo frame combines timeless charm with precious detailing. Crafted in a blend of 14k gold and silver, it features intricate gemstone accents, including ru...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Rhodium, Silver
Faberge Lilac Enamel and Yellow Gold Frame
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
An important Faberge gold and enamel frame, the frame comprising an oval glass photograph pane with yellow gold surround, within a rectangular frame exquisitely laid with a fine lilac enamel...
Yellow Gold