François-Xavier Lalanne

Acquired directly from Claude Lalanne in 2013 by the present owner

This console represents a singular piece in François-Xavier Lalanne’s body of work, signifying a shift from his typical animal-inspired themes toward a direct exploration of the vegetal language more commonly linked to his wife, Claude Lalanne. A subtle connection is thus formed between their two aesthetic languages, reflecting their artistic and personal dialogue.

Inspired by the organic forms of the surrounding nature, often drawn from the lush garden of their home in Ury, France, Lalanne infuses this console with a rare sculptural poetry. The sinuous lines of the base, like an entwined vegetal weave, gracefully descend to the floor, illustrating the artist’s technical virtuosity and sensitivity in merging the functional with the sculptural. The forms dissolve to better evoke foliage, branches, and living matter. The work fully embodies the Lalannes’ cherished desire to transcend everyday objects into total works of art, both utilitarian, poetic, and timeless.

This console was acquired directly from Claude Lalanne in 2012. While this model is generally presented with a glass top, the hammered bronze top of the present example gives the piece a singular character, enhancing its sculptural quality and remarkable material harmony.