Artists Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne’s private collection is headed to auction

Courtesy Sotheby's

#Auctionwatch: The private collection of French artists Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne will go under the hammer this autumn at Sotheby’s Paris, including works by Matisse and Duchamp.

The duo spent 50 years collaborating on iconic pieces, such as their popular Moutons de Peters sheep sculptures, and moved in an influential circle of early 20th century artists and designers. This included the likes of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, Jasper Johns and Niki de Saint Phalle – many of whom gifted and sold works to the pair.

Interior view of Claude and François-Xavier Lelanne’s home and studio. Photography: (c) Capucine de Chabaneix

In the artists’ garden in Ury, with François-Xavier’s Birds and Claude’s Ginko table and chairs. Photography: (c) Sotheby’s

Following Claude Lalanne’s death earlier this year, Sotheby’s is auctioning off some 280 works from the couple’s Fontainebleau home and studio.

As well as original pieces by Les Lalanne – including their ‘Cabbage Feet’ sculpture – buyers can scoop works by Dorothea Tanning, Yves Saint Laurent and Max Ernst. Items go on sale on the 23 and 24 October, with preview exhibitions taking place in New York, Paris, Hong Kong and London from early September.