FRANÇOIS-XAVIER LALANNE | Pair of "Tourterelles" Chairs

numbers 3D and 4A from editions of 8

Kasmin Gallery, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner, 2006

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. 12 (for a photograph of Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne seated in a pair of "Tourterelles" chairs) and end pages

Both chairs are in overall very good condition consistent with age. The chairs were positioned outdoors and have been recently sensitively cleaned by a professional conservator. The aluminum is a medium silver/gray, slightly less violet tones than conveyed in the catalogue illustration. Both chairs present minor scratches throughout the wooden and metallic surfaces consistent with age and gentle use. The metal presents with slight variations in tone and texture throughout as is typical for the material and inherent in production. The walnut surface on one chair shows minor signs of even fading compared with the partner chair, likely resulting from minor sun exposure. The cast wings of one chair do not rest evenly on the floor, but the chair is stable and not visually distracting. Each chair is signed on the proper right shoulder. The two bird heads rotate freely and are easily adjustable. An important and imaginative zoomorphic design by Lalanne, this is a model that presents very well overall and has not previously appeared at auction.
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.