Claude Lalanne

Paul Kasmin Gallery, New York

Acquired from the above by the present owner, 2013

Best known for her whimsical sculptures of flora and fauna, Claude Lalanne created a niche for herself in the male-dominated world of art and interior design. Often borrowing from the greenery of her home garden, Lalanne pioneered the electroplating and galvanoplasty techniques in the modern era. Unbothered by the artificial distinction between artist and artisan, Lalanne captivated audiences with her decorative style, in which she incorporated play and humor in her compositions. 

The present work is reminiscent of the artist’s highly coveted jewelry pieces, featuring twisted flowers, leaves and their branches. With its delicate portrayal of the natural world, the bronze candle holder is a masterful representation of Lalanne’s work. On one end, a curious snake winds north, while on the other, several wide-spread leaves gently rest upon one another, signaling to the artist’s classical influences of antiquity and the Baroque. The work takes inspiration from the artist’s garden in Ury, France where the honeysuckle scent and fresh foliage is plentiful.