A REDISCOVERED TREASURE TROVE OF LALANNE SCULPTURE

The Last Remaining Pieces from The Estate of the Great Artists

–HiddenAwayintheirWorkshop,theDoorwayConcealedbyFrançois-Xavier’sBronzeBulls–

This October, Sotheby’s Paris will offer just under twenty sculptures by Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne rediscovered in Ury, the last pieces remaining in their private collection.

The treasure trove had remained hidden in a separate room in one of the buildings that made up their home, the door long-concealed by large bronze bulls, among FrançoisXavier’s largest and heaviest creations.

Auction at Sotheby’s Paris on 4 October Public Exhibition: 30 September – 3 October

A few years ago, Sotheby’s were chosen by the Lalanne family to carry out the inventory of Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne’s personal collection, housed within the perfectly ordered jumble of their sprawling home and workshops in Ury. Together with my colleagues, I stayed there for several days to catalogue everything – an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience exploring a life devoted to art.

With the landmark auction in October 2019, we thought that we had offered all there was of the furniture, objects and works of art from this incredible collection. It is such a thrill to be able to reveal that there was one last set of treasures that had remained hidden away – giving collectors another chance to acquire a piece that had been treasured by Les Lalanne in their own collection.” ~Florent Jeanniard, Co-Worldwide Head of Sotheby’s Design

Photographed in the Enchanting Gardens of the Magnificent Château de Courances

Two of the most pioneering, important and beloved artists of the 20th century, who lived and worked alongside each other in perfect harmony for over five decades, Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne resided in the village of Ury near Fontainebleau, spreading their magic across buildings that they combined to make one wonderland of whimsical art. The world of nature that surrounded their atelier provided constant, and seemingly limitless, inspiration, and their home became an extension of their art.

Following Claude’s passing in 2019, Sotheby’s hosted a landmark dedicated two-day sale of their extraordinary collection, with each lot in the sale appearing at auction directly from their home and studio. Showcasing over 280 artworks with which they chose to surround themselves, the invitation into their intimate world captured the attention of the collectors from 43 countries and the auction was 100% sold, quadrupling its estimate to achieve €91.3 million (a record at the time for a Sotheby’s sale in France).

François-Xavier Lalanne, Unique Boîte de Sardines (estimate: €180,000 – 280,000)

François-Xavier Lalanne, Âne planté (estimate: €700,000 – 1,000,000)

Claude Lalanne, Pomme de Londres (estimate: €600,000 – 800,000)

Claude Lalanne, banquette Ginkgo II (estimate: €100,000 – 150,000)

Claude Lalanne, Gong (estimate: €250,000 – 350,000)

François-Xavier Lalanne, Vache Bar, estimate: €600,000 – 800,000)

Claude Lalanne, Unique Grille, (estimate: €80,000 – 100,000)

François-Xavier Lalanne, Fauteuil Tourterelle (estimate : €60,000-80,000)

Maison in conversation with Meredith S. Horsford, Executive Director of Historic House Trust of New York City on Gracie Mansion History, Significance and Interiors.

Archibald Gracie, a ship owner, and businessman from Scotland, initially built the mansion as a rural refuge away from the busy metropolis. At the time, the area now known as Carl Schurz Park, where Gracie Mansion is situated, was a rural and scenic part of Manhattan. The home was built as the Gracie family's country estate after Archibald Gracie bought the site and ordered its construction. The design of the mansion reflects the Federal style of architecture, which was popular during that period.

Carl Schurz Park is a public park situated in the Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan. The park spans approximately 15 acres along the East River, and it encompasses the area surrounding Gracie Mansion. The mansion's placement within the park allows it to benefit from the park's picturesque surroundings and natural beauty, which adds to the appeal and ambiance of the residence.

Both Gracie Mansion and Carl Schurz Park have a shared historical significance. Carl Schurz Park was named after Carl Schurz, a German-American statesman and reformer, in 1910. The park has its own historical context, reflecting the development and changes in the Yorkville neighborhood over the years

Gracie Mansion became the official residence of the City's Mayor through a combination of historical circumstances and the city's decision to provide a designated mayoral residence. In 1896, the City of New York acquired Gracie Mansion and its surrounding property.

Gracie Mansion changed hands several times over the years, serving various purposes. In 1896, the City of New York acquired Gracie Mansion and its surrounding property. The city purchased the property to preserve it as a historical landmark and to provide a residence for the mayor. Since then, it has been used to house and host mayors and their families during their terms in office. This move aimed to provide the mayor with a dignified and appropriate place of residence , similar to the official residences of other cities and countries.

While Gracie Mansion was initially built as a private residence, its historical significance and architectural beauty have made it an iconic landmark in New York City. Today, it serves as a symbol of the city's history and tradition, as well as a venue for official mayoral functions, public events, and exhibits.

The interior design and architecture of Gracie Mansion play a significant role in connecting the mansion to its historical and cultural significance as the official residence of the Mayor of New York City. Gracie Mansion is designed in the Federal style, which was popular during the late 18th and early 19th century. This architectural style is characterized by its symmetry, balanced proportions, and classical details. Many of the rooms feature period furniture, artwork, and decor that evoke the past and provide a sense of the mansion's heritage. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of the different eras and gain insight into the city's history through the carefully curated interior design.

Symmetrical design, elegant proportions, and classical details

Over the years, Gracie Mansion has undergone renovations and modifications, but efforts have been made to preserve its original features and architectural integrity. Elements such as the grand staircase, ornate moldings and fireplaces showcase the mansion's historical character. By maintaining these original architectural elements, Gracie Mansion serves as a tangible link to its past.

Gracie Mansion often hosts cultural events and exhibits that highlight the diverse cultural heritage of New York City.

The interior spaces are utilized to display artwork, historical artifacts, and cultural exhibits that celebrate the city's vibrant artistic and cultural communities.

This connection between the interior design and the city's cultural heritage reinforces the mansion's role as a symbol of New York City.