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
Rare Important Estate 20th C Cranberry Color French Glass Liquor Perfume Bottle
Located in New York, NY
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Crystal
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By Hermès
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$966Sale Price|30% Off
Rare “Le Must the Cartier” Paris Logotype 18k Pink Gold & Black Lacquer Lighter
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
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H 0.95 in W 3.15 in D 2.37 in
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By Cartier
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
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Rare Ronson Black Lather Lighter
Located in New York, NY
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Located in Riverdale, NY
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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
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Antique Belle Epoque Hat Pin Facetted Amethyst Pink and Purple Metal Pin
Located in Munich, Bavaria
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French 19th Century Gilt Bronze Gothic Form Vanity Table Mirror, circa 1880
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