CLAUDE LALANNE | "Crocodile" Armchair

number six from an edition of eight

Acquired directly from the artist, 2005

Les Lalanne, exh. cat., Centre Pompidou, Paris, 1975, pp. 70-71 (for related examples)
Daniel Marchesseau, les Lalanne, Paris, 1998, pp. 56 and 77 (for related examples)
Reed Krakoff, Ben Brown and Paul Kasmin, Claude & François-Xavier Lalanne, exh. cat., Paul Kasmin Gallery, New York and Ben Brown Fine Arts, London, 2006, p. 99
Daniel Abadie, Lalanne(s), Paris, 2008, pp. 170-171 (for related examples)
Les Lalanne, Paris, exh. cat., Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, 2010, pp. 88, 90 and 92-93 (for the model and related examples)
Paul Kasmin, Claude & François-Xavier Lalanne, New York, 2012, n.p. (for a related stool)
Les Lalanne: Fifty Years of Work, 1964-2015, exh. cat., Paul Kasmin Gallery, New York, 2015, pp. 72-73 and 103 (for a related settee), 184, 188, 191, 193, 195 and 198-199 (for related examples)
Delphine and Reed Krakoff, Houses That We Dreamt Of: The Interiors of Delphine and Reed Krakoff, New York, 2017, pp. 23-24, 49, 211 and 239 (for the present lot illustrated)

Overall in very good condition. When viewed in person, the patinated bronze displays a rich gold surface with subtle red accents concentrated to the crocodile feet. With a few scattered very minor traces of oxidation to the recessed portions of the design and with some scattered minor discolorations, consistent with age and gentle use. The bronze surfaces with scattered extremely minor surface scratches and abrasions throughout consistent with age and gentle use. The bronze with some scattered minor casting flaws inherent in the making which promote the naturalism of the piece. The largest casting flaw is to the proper right front leg, located at approximately one-third height and measuring approximately 1/4 inch in diameter. The chair retains its original leather seat cushion which is in excellent condition and displays a crocodile skin motif which complements the design of the chair. A masterwork by Claude Lalanne with superb sculptural presence and exceptional naturalistic detailing.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.