PARIS.- On November 25th 2026, Artcurial will present its Art Deco / Design auction, bringing together an exceptional selection of works by Fran鏾is-Xavier and Claude Lalanne. The highlight of the sale is Capricorne III (2007) by Fran鏾is-Xavier Lalanne, a major work from the sculptor’s celebrated animal-inspired repertoire, estimated at €1,000,000 – 1,500,000.
Around this masterpiece, the auction explores the theme of the animal in the decorative arts, featuring a Brochet secret and a Mouton rug by Fran鏾is-Xavier Lalanne, as well as two examples of Diego Giacometti's Chat ma顃re d’h魌el. The auction also presents previously unseen sets by Carlo Bugatti and Charlotte Perriand, Italian lighting, a collection of works by Georges Jouve, and Shiro Kuramata’s iconic Miss Blanche chair.
AN EXCEPTIONAL LALANNE COLLECTION
Capricorne III, the highlight of the sale
Capricorne III is a major work in Fran鏾is-Xavier Lalanne’s fantastical bestiary. A similar example once stood in front of the fireplace in the Lalannes’ living room in Ury. The sculpture brings together elements of Capricorne I, whose head is shown in profile, and Capricorne II, whose head is turned backwards.
By directing the animal’s gaze towards the viewer, the artist gives it a distinctive place within the social circle: the Capricorn seems to take part in conversations, its presence becoming almost familiar, much like that of a domestic animal.
The work perfectly embodies Fran鏾is-Xavier Lalanne’s sources of inspiration: mythology, Surrealism, expressed through the creature’s elongated body, and a functional dimension, as the sculpture can also serve as a bench or fire screen.
Le Brochet, a fish with secrets
Fran鏾is-Xavier Lalanne’s Brochet adds another remarkable creature to this bestiary. The theme of the fish was widely explored by sculptors in the 1930s, including Joseph Csaky, Armand Petersen and 蒬ouard-Marcel Sandoz, and Constantin Brancusi also turned to the subject with his Poisson of 1930. Fran鏾is-Xavier Lalanne, who lived near Brancusi in the Impasse Ronsin in Paris, excelled in this field: his Carpe d’or, produced by Artcurial, has become emblematic of his work.
True to his distinctive approach, Lalanne imbued his sculptures with a practical function, transforming his carp into a bar, his fish into a picture frame or bookend, and even his sardines into cushions.
Le Brochet was likely inspired by artefacts the sculptor encountered in the Louvre’s Department of Egyptian Antiquities, where he worked in his youth, as well as by the convertible and secret furniture of the 18th century. By operating the fish’s fin, a compartment fitted with drawers is revealed.
Mouton Rug, Large Model
The Mouton rug is the largest example ever produced and remains in remarkable condition. A large wading bird, a carp, pigeons and jewellery by Claude Lalanne will complete this exceptional collection.
DIEGO GIACOMETTI: ANIMALS IN BRONZE
Two Chat ma顃re d’h魌el sculptures by Diego Giacometti will be offered in the sale. Alongside the Autruche, they are among his best-known creations, born of the artist’s close relationships with his collectors. At the request of his friend Dr Jean-Paul Binet, Diego mounted an ostrich egg within a bronze structure, while the Chat ma顃re d’h魌el was created for Marguerite and Aim Maeght.
Their son, Adrien Maeght, recalls: “My mother had a cage containing canaries, and Alberto had brought this sculpture to place inside it. The standing cat held a tray on which my mother would put seeds. In the courtyard of his studio, stray cats spent their time hunting sparrows; for him, this was a form of revenge.”
Rare and invariably modest in scale, Diego Giacometti’s sculptures enjoy considerable acclaim and are crafted to exacting standards, particularly in the quality of the casting, patina and chasing.
EXCEPTIONAL PROVENANCES
The sale also brings together works of distinguished provenance, highlighting key figures in 20th-century design. Carlo Bugatti is represented by a previously unseen ensemble from a Swiss private collection. Charlotte Perriand is represented by two notable lots: a furniture ensemble that has remained in the original commissioning family since its creation, and a Biblioth鑡ue Mexique from a private collection, presented alongside works by the leading names in Italian lighting design.
Ceramics of the 1950s will be represented by a selection of works by Georges Jouve, from the ceramist’s last residence in Aix-en-Provence. The 1980s, meanwhile, will be embodied by one of the era’s most iconic seating designs: Shiro Kuramata’s Miss Blanche chair, acquired from the Yves Gastou Gallery in 1991 and preserved in the same collection ever since.
From the Lalannes to Kuramata, from Diego Giacometti’s bronzes to Italian lighting, the sale offers a sweeping overview of 20th-century design and decorative arts, where exceptional provenance is matched by the quality of the works. It presents collectors with a rare opportunity to acquire major pieces, many appearing on the market for the first time, all within a single sale.
