NEW YORK, NY.- Christies announced the outstanding results of François-Xavier Lalanne Sculpteur: Collection Dorothée Lalanne the first solely dedicated sale to François-Xavier Lalanne, from the collection of his daughter, Dorothée. The live 70-lot auction lasted more than four hours in Christies storied Rockefeller Center salesroom, with intense and lively bidding coming from phones, online, and the room. The sale made almost 300% of its low estimate, with 97% of lots surpassing their high estimates, sparking fierce competition among a multitude of bidders, and the sale saw exceptional results, with an impressive total of $58.9 million more than doubled the high estimate. The sale saw global participation with 54% of bidders and buyers from the Americas, 15% Asia Pacific and 31% from Europe.
Alex Heminway, International Head of Design at Christies, comments: It was an absolute honor to work along Madame Lalanne in presenting François-Xavier Lalanne, Sculpteur | Collection Dorothée Lalannean extraordinary collection of works by her father, the legendary François-Xavier Lalanne. The excitement in build up to the sale was mirrored by our clients enthusiasm, and the results were everything we hoped for and more.
The top lot of the sale was Très Grand Centaure, 2001, which sold for $7,540,000 more than nine times its low estimate and a world record for the model. Le Très Grand Ours, 2009 was the second highest price of the day achieving $6,100,000 also setting a world record price for the model.
Throughout the sale 4 records were set including:
Le Très Grand Ours, 2009 which sold for $6,100,000 doubling the high estimate of $3,000,000
Oiseleur II, 2003, never before seen at auction achieved an impressive $1,502,000 twice over its high estimate.
Lapin à Vent de Tourtour, 2002 sold for $2,954,000 almost three times its low estimate
Très Grand Centaure, 2001 achieved $7,540,000, nine times over its low estimate
The sale was preceded by a successful six-day exhibition with scenography curated by Simon Porte Jacquemus. Simon Porte Jacquemus was invited by Dorothee Lalanne to curate a special exhibition, offering his fresh and unique perspective on showcasing this remarkable collection.