NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s will present the upcoming auction François-Xavier Lalanne Sculpteur: Collection Dorothée Lalanne, featuring an exceptional selection of works by the revolutionary French artist François-Xavier Lalanne (1927-2008), from the collection of his daughter, Dorothée Lalanne. This single-owner live sale will take place on October 10, following an exhibition at Christie’s Rockefeller Center which will open to the public on October 4. In celebration of this event, Simon Porte Jacquemus has been invited to curate a special exhibition, offering his fresh and unique perspective on showcasing this remarkable collection.

Dorothée Lalanne says: "I am thrilled to be partnering with Christie’s to present a selection of works by my father. François-Xavier worked in a way that appeared casual but was, in fact, very rigorous, thoughtful, and elegant. Yet, he always maintained a sense of humor. It seemed evident to invite Simon Porte Jacquemus to create the exhibition for this auction. His own work is so playful, so full of light and joy in a world where so few things are inspiring. Simon Porte Jacquemus has always loved sculpture. He is the best to remind us how unexpected François-Xavier’s work is and how important it is to feel alive."

Alex Heminway, International Head of Design at Christie’s, comments: “It’s an honor to work on behalf of Madame Dorothée Lalanne to bring this significant portion of her collection to public market in the form of the first-ever solo auction dedicated to her father. A beloved post-war sculptor, François-Xavier Lalanne continues to amaze us with his joyful, highly refined work. It’s been a thrilling few years for the artist’s market with significant institutional and gallery exhibitions in addition to a new world auction record set by Christie’s last year with the sale of his Rhinocrétaire I (1964) for $19,418,556.”

The auction, featuring 70 lots, marks the inaugural solo presentation of François-Xavier Lalanne's work at Christie’s. It celebrates his sculptural talent and nearly half a century of innovation, establishing him as one of the greatest postwar artists. Lalanne's oeuvre highlights his dedication to the artistic tradition of zoomorphism, utilizing a Surrealist aesthetic to craft creatures that evoke dreamlike worlds. François-Xavier Lalanne is best known for his life-size menagerie of whimsical animal sculptures that double as furniture.

Featured in the sale is a selection of his most celebrated work from Le Très Grand Ours, 2009 – which will be offered with an estimate of $2,000,000 – 3,000,000, Lapin À Vent De Tourtour, 2002 is offered with an estimate of $1,000,000-1,500,000, both creations were previously featured in a major institutional exhibitions, including Les Lalanne à Trianon at the Château de Versailles in 2021. Also included in the collection, is the Oiseleur II, 2003, never seen before at auction, which exemplifies Lalanne’s enduring legacy and genius for bringing whimsy and wonder into the world of fine art.

The exhibition will be free and open to the public from October 4, through October 10 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Christie’s 20 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.