Christie’s to Auction François-Xavier Lalanne’s First Major Sculpture in Paris
Christie’s will auction Rhinocrétaire I (1964), the first major sculpture by François-Xavier Lalanne, as a single-lot sale on October 20, 2023, in Paris during Paris+ par Art Basel. Estimated at €4–6 million, the piece is a rhinoceros-shaped desk with secret compartments, blending sculpture and functional design. It marks Lalanne’s shift from painting to sculpture and was first shown at Galerie J. in 1964, owned by Jeanine Restany’s family. The work will be exhibited at Christie’s avenue Matignon from September 27 to October 3 and October 12 to 20. Agathe de Bazin, Christie’s Head of Sale, called it the work of a true visionary.
Key facts
- Christie’s will auction Rhinocrétaire I by François-Xavier Lalanne on October 20, 2023, in Paris.
- The auction is a single-lot sale during Paris+ par Art Basel week.
- Rhinocrétaire I is a rhinoceros-shaped desk with secret compartments, created in 1964.
- The estimate is between €4 and €6 million.
- The sculpture is considered Lalanne’s first major work and a prototype for his later career.
- It was first exhibited at Galerie J. in 1964, associated with Nouveau Réalisme.
- The piece has been owned by the family of Jeanine Restany, a friend of the Lalanne couple.
- Exhibition at Christie’s avenue Matignon runs September 27–October 3 and October 12–20, 2023.
Entities
Artists
- François-Xavier Lalanne
- Claude Lalanne
- Salvador Dalí
- Albrecht Dürer
Institutions
- Christie's
- Sotheby's
- Galerie J.
- Paris+ par Art Basel
- Artribune
Locations
- Paris
- France
- avenue Matignon