Over the years Claude Lalanne gradually edits a suite of crocodile seats in gilt bronze and copper with leather cushions. On December 13, 2017 a pair of armchairs made in 1997 is separated by Sotheby's with a lower estimate of $ 300K each. With results at $ 980K and 1,15M including premium, Claude's reptiles can valuably swallow the sheep of her husband.
The bench designed by Claude in 2006 is more spacious, 79 x 140 x 74 cm compared to the 78 x 61 x 64 cm of an armchair. There is now the place for two crocodiles in a similar position. The tight composition has become airy.
This Banquette is edited in 2007 in eight copies plus four artist proofs with the mark of the Figini foundry. The number 4/8 was sold for € 460K including premium by Sotheby's on May 24, 2016 over a lower estimate of € 200K. The number 2/8 is estimated € 600K for sale by Tajan in Paris on April 4, lot 9.
The Bureaux Croco by Claude Lalanne are another design with the bronze skin spreading on the top. One of them dated 2009 was sold for $ 2.17M including premium by Sotheby's over a lower estimate of $ 350K in the same auction as the pair of armchairs mentioned above.
SOLD for € 600K before fees
Saviez-vous qu’une promenade nocturne dans un zoo a inspiré à Claude #Lalanne ses meubles surréalistes ? Sortie d’une monde fantastique, cette banquette Crocodile est proposée aux enchères chez @Tajan_Auction aujourd’hui https://t.co/zS49ghLRvV pic.twitter.com/QZi53QR7Su
— AuctionLab (@byAuctionLab) April 4, 2018