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
$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
$2,400Sale Price|86% Off
Rare Important Estate Genuine Tourmaline, Citrine, and Malachite Gemstone Mirror
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are Offering is A Spectacular Jeweled Rectangular mirror mounted in mosaic frame predominantly comprised of Genuine Citrine, Malachite and Tourmaline Stones. Fr...
Citrine, Malachite, Tourmaline
$20,000
H 15 in L 21 in
PIER LEONE GHEZZI (1674-1755) Red Chalk Old Master Nude + Frame (EX-ROTHSCHILD)
Located in Galveston, TX
* PURCHASED AT CHRISTIE'S, NYC * PROVENANCE: *Alessandro Maggiori (1764-1834): Rome, 1808. *Mrs. Lester Cook: Sotheby’s, London, 1984. *The Collection of the Rothschild Family. *Ch...
$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
$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
$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
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
French 19th Century Gilt Bronze Gothic Form Vanity Table Mirror, circa 1880
Located in New York, NY
Antique French Gothic arch form gilt bronze vanity mirror 19th Century. Finely detailed gilded bronze with unusual trefoil design and beautiful antique gold patina. Easel back with ...
Bronze
$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
$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
$3,726Sale 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