For Smithsonian Magazine – 1976

Known individually and collectively since the 1960’s, Les Lalanne developed a style that defines inventive, poetic and surrealist sculpture. Casting forms from life, then employing electro-plating techniques, Claude Lalanne achieves delicacy and sensitivity in her work unparalleled in cast bronze. François-Xavier Lalanne similarly found inspiration for his works in nature. In his words, “The animal world constitutes the richest and most varied forms on the planet.” His subjects consist of a menagerie of animals, stylized forms oftentimes married with functionality. His works achieve streamlined elegance in their profound simplicity.