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Les Lalanne

François-Xavier (1927–2008) and Claude (1924–2019) Lalanne, renowned as 'Les Lalanne', formed their partnership in 1952 at François-Xavier's inaugural exhibition of paintings, where their shared passion for sculpture catalysed their collaborative journey in the medium.

Operating in the same creative milieu as esteemed Parisian figures like Serge Gainsbourg and Marcel Duchamp, the Lalanne’s gained notable recognition. Gainsbourg notably featured their sculpture 'L’homme de tête du chou' on his 1976 album cover, naming the album after it and acquiring the original sculpture.

Drawing inspiration from nature while infusing a surreal aesthetic, the Lalanne’s developed a distinctive style characterized by the fusion of Art Nouveau with Surrealism, marrying sturdiness with whimsy. Claude Lalanne articulated her preference for reinterpreting natural forms, eschewing outside influences encountered in museums and galleries.

Their artistic oeuvre frequently incorporates the motif of the apple, emblematic of Claude Lalanne's creative vision.