Important Design
Important Design
François-Xavier Lalanne
Pair of Singes Attentifs I and II
Estimate
1,500,000 - 2,000,000 EUR
Lot Details
Description
François-Xavier Lalanne
Pair of Singes Attentifs I and II
Designed in 1999, our examples made in 2000
Patinated bronze
Monogrammed FxL, one inscribed S.I. , the other S.II, each numbered 8/8 B on the side and with the foundry mark Clementi fondeur on the back
75 x 16 x 21 cm ; 29 ½ x 6 ¼ x 8 ¼ in.
Guy Pieters gallery, Knokke-Heist
Acquired from the above by the present owner circa 2002
Private collection, Belgium
The figure of the monkey occupies an essential place in François-Xavier Lalanne's bestiary, whether in his functional works or, as here, in his purest sculpture. Known respectively as Singe attentif I and Singe attentif II, they form an iconic pair among the most admired in the artist's animal universe. Cast in 2000, the artist patinated them in cloudy green hues.
True icons, our Capuchins, with their watchful eyes and peaceful smiles, seem to wake up in a hieratic posture, with an obvious benevolence on the world around them.
They perfectly illustrate François-Xavier Lalanne's ability to make his art so universal. The Capuchins combine rigorous elegance and stylized form, while animating their expression with a playfulness that makes them irresistible.