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
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
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 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
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
$7,400Sale Price|20% Off
W 6 in L 8 in
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
$2,850
H 13.5 in W 10 in D 0.63 in
Large Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Picture or Photo Frame with Engraved Cows
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique photo frame signed Cartier. In sterling silver. Engraved with 2 cows to the top. (Likely done a inscription of endearment!) With a robust easel back stand. Simply ...
Sterling Silver
$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
$895
H 3.88 in W 2.88 in D 0.63 in
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Hugs & Kisses Photo/Picture Frame for Mickey Rudin
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine sterling silver photo or picture frame. From the estate of Milton A. ‘Mickey’ Rudin, lawyer and confidant to Hollywood stars. With a gold & red enamel heart to the top center and an engraved dedication "Mickey Rudin" flanking it. Engraved to the left and right sides with "Hugs & Kisses to You" and a repeating "XOXOXO", and to the bottom "Love, Paula & Sam November 16, 1995". With a black easel...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Leather Baby Toy Round Picture Frame
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Simpsonville, SC
The Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Leather Baby Toy Round Picture Frame is an enchanting keepsake designed to celebrate the joy of a new life. This round fram...
Sterling Silver
$1,250
W 2.38 in D 0.38 in L 3.75 in
Antique French Gilt Dore Bronze Pair of Champagne Wire Cutter Shears or Nippers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A wonderful pair of antique Champagne nippers or wire cutters. Likely French with an ornate gilt bronze sheath, cornucopia handles, and steel blades. A real rarity and a must-have ...
Bronze
$4,480Sale Price|34% Off
H 21 in W 10 in D 10 in
Antique Pair Of French Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Cherub Putti Candelabras 1870
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in an Antique Pair Of French Napoleon III - Belle Epoque Gilt Bronze and White Marble Cherub Putti Candelabras dating to circa 1870. Elevate your interior with this exquisite...
Bronze
$4,400Sale Price|63% Off
Rare Impressive Museum Quality 19th C French Three Piece Bronze Cherub Clock Set
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are Offering is A Magnificent Louis XVI Style Gilt Metal and Bronze Mantle Cherub 3 Pc Clock Set, circular white enamel dial with Floral Wreaths and Numbers enc...
Gold, Bronze
$3,796Sale Price|20% Off
TIFFANY Studios Art Nouveau Bronze "Slag Glass" frame
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Braintree, GB
Tiffany Studios Art Nouveau Bronze "Slag Glass" Table Calendar. Circa 1910, Made in New York by Louis C. Tiffany. Weight: 401 grams Dimensions - Heig...
Bronze
$15,000
18 Karat Gold Photo Frame
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous 18k yellow gold photo frame. Measurements : length : 2 1/2 inch width: 2 1/4 inch
18k Gold
$395
H 5.25 in W 4.38 in D 0.38 in
Antique Victorian Derby Quadruple Silver Plate Easel Back Photo or Picture Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine ornate antique Victorian frame. In quadruple plate silver plate. By the Derby Silver Company. With an ornate piercing and openwork t...
Silver Plate
Antique Renaissance Revival 800 Silver Purse Frame Handle
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Absolutely stunning details on this antique renaissance revival 800 silver purse frame which is handmade most likely in Norway featuring dragons, snakes, bird sitting in an foliage . Purse is in Henrik...
Silver
Sold
H 11 in D 2 in L 8 in
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