French Sculptor François-Xavier Lalanne's Animal Sculptures Fetch $59 Million at Christie's Auction
In a remarkable display of artistic value, 70 animal sculptures by the renowned French sculptor François-Xavier Lalanne were sold for an astonishing $59 million at a recent auction held by Christie's in New York. The auction took place on October 10 at Christie's prestigious Rockefeller Center location, showcasing a unique collection of bronze and stone sculptures that include a giant bear, a winged rabbit, and a rhinoceros, among others.
The artworks, all created by Lalanne, who passed away in 2008, were sold on behalf of his daughter, Dorothée Lalanne. Originally estimated to sell for between $16 million and $23 million, the final sale price far exceeded expectations, highlighting the enduring appeal of Lalanne's work in the global art market. Notably, over 50% of the bidders hailed from the Americas, with 15% from Asia and 30% from Europe, reflecting a diverse international interest in the auction despite a generally contracting art market.
Among the standout pieces were the patinated bronze sculpture 'Très Grand Centaure' (2001), which sold for $7.5 million, and the monumental 'Très Grand Ours' (2009), fetching $6.1 million. Another unique item, 'Âne de Nathalie' (2005), which cleverly transforms from a sculpture into a desk, was sold for $2.6 million. These impressive figures underscore Lalanne's status as a major figure in 20th-century sculpture, known for blending humor and artistry in his works.
Daphné Riou, an expert at Christie's, described Lalanne as a 'major sculptor of the 20th century', emphasizing his passion for nature and the playful intersection of art and design that characterized his work with his wife, Claude. The couple's legacy continues to thrive, with their popularity soaring after significant sales in recent years, including a notable auction of 15 mirrors by Claude Lalanne in 2009 that sold for €1.8 million.
