Inside Jacquemus’ Artistic Vision That Brought Lalanne Auction to a Remarkable $59 Million Close

The historic auction François-Xavier Lalanne: Sculpteur, Collection Dorothée Lalanne has concluded at Christie’s New York with remarkable results, achieving an impressive $58.9 million in total sales. This landmark event, the first-ever auction solely dedicated to François-Xavier Lalanne’s work, surpassed expectations by almost 300% of its low estimate, with 97% of lots exceeding their high estimates.

Spanning more than four hours at Christie’s Rockefeller Center, the 70-lot auction drew global participation, with bidders from the Americas (54%), Europe (31%), and Asia Pacific (15%). The competitive atmosphere in the room, online, and over the phone reflected the enthusiasm for Lalanne’s visionary designs, which blend surrealism with functionality.

Record-Breaking Highlights

Several pieces set new auction records, underscoring the enduring appeal of Lalanne’s whimsical and highly refined works:

• Très Grand Centaure (2001): Sold for $7,540,000, nine times its low estimate, setting a world record for the model.
• Le Très Grand Ours (2009): Achieved $6,100,000, doubling its high estimate of $3,000,000.
• Oiseleur II (2003): A debut piece at auction, reached $1,502,000, more than twice its high estimate.
• Lapin à Vent de Tourtour (2002): Sold for $2,954,000, nearly three times its low estimate.

A Visionary Exhibition

The sale was preceded by a six-day exhibition at Christie’s Rockefeller Center, curated by fashion visionary Simon Porte Jacquemus. Invited by Dorothée Lalanne, Jacquemus brought his fresh perspective to the display, reimagining François-Xavier Lalanne’s iconic pieces in a scenography that blended art, design, and modern fashion aesthetics. Jacquemus’ thoughtful curation played a key role in elevating the event, drawing attention to Lalanne’s timeless creations while captivating both collectors and new admirers.

A Defining Moment

The auction’s extraordinary success not only reflects the global admiration for François-Xavier Lalanne’s work but also marks a pivotal moment in the legacy of his artistry. With innovative designs that have stood the test of time, this remarkable collection and its record-breaking results affirm Lalanne’s position as one of the most celebrated sculptors of the post-war era.

This historic event, elevated by Jacquemus’ artistic vision and Dorothée Lalanne’s dedication, will be remembered as a defining moment in the world of design and collectible art.