French artist Claude Lalanne works in her atelier in 2015 in Ury, France.
Claude Lalanne (1924-2019) was a French sculptor and designer renowned for her organic and surrealist works that often blurred the boundaries between art, nature, and functionality. She, along with her husband François-Xavier Lalanne, formed the creative duo "Les Lalanne," known for their whimsical and imaginative sculptures. While François-Xavier's work leaned toward zoomorphic designs, Claude's artistry was deeply rooted in the natural world, transforming flora and fauna into extraordinary pieces of art and design.
Claude Lalanne's technique was distinctive, often using electroplating—a process where she coated natural objects like leaves, flowers, and even entire animals in copper. This method allowed her to capture the intricate details of organic forms, preserving them in metal and creating a bridge between the ephemeral and the eternal. Her works include everything from jewelry and furniture to monumental sculptures, all imbued with a poetic and surreal quality.
One of her most famous works is the "Crocodile Armchair" (2006), where a life-sized bronze crocodile forms the base of a chair, showcasing her ability to combine functionality with fantastical elements. Lalanne's creations were highly sought after by collectors and were featured in prestigious venues such as the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and the Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York.Claude Lalanne's work is celebrated for its blend of art, nature, and fantasy, making her a significant figure in 20th and 21st-century art and design.