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François-Xavier Lalanne Grand Rhinocéros II, Grand Rhinocrétaire IIdesigned in 2002, our example of 2008/2017 gilt patinated bronze, brass and leatherMonogrammed FXL, stamped LALANNE, dated 2017, numbered 7/8 on the flank, monogrammed FxL, numbered 7/8 on a paw and with the foundry's mark Bocquel Fd on another paw 145,5 x 250 x 61 cm ; 57 ¼ x 98 ½ x 24 in. ------------------------------------------------------------ François-Xavier Lalanne Grand Rhinocéros II dit Grand Rhinocrétaire IIle modèle créé en 2002, notre exemplaire en 2008/2017 bronze patiné doré, laiton et gainé de cuirMonogrammé FXL, estampillé LALANNE, daté 2017, numéroté 7/8 sur le flanc, monogrammé Fxl, numéroté 7/8 sur une patte et avec la marque du fondeur Bocquel Fd sur une autre patte 145,5 x 250 x 61 cm ; 57 ¼ x 98 ½ x 24 in.Condition reportIn overall excellent condition. This rare and majestic model presents with a beautiful gilt patina when seen in person. This subtly chosen patina perfectly highlights the lines of the model. The patina presents with light oxidation stains throughout, two small darker oxidation marks on the proper right flank but only visible upon close inspection. The surfaces with some scattered burst bubbles inherent in the making and not visually distracting. ProvenancePrivate collection, France------------------------------------------------------------Collection privée, FranceLiteratureFor related examples : John Russell Les Lalanne, Paris, 1975, p. 48-50Les Lalanne, exhibition catalogue, Galerie Christian Fayt Art, Knokke-Heist, 11 August – 16 September 1984, cover and p. 5Robert Rosenblum, Les Lalanne, Geneva, 1991, p. 53Daniel Marchesseau, Les Lalanne, Paris, 1998, pp. 22-23Daniel Abadie, Lalanne(s), Paris, 2008, p. 116, 118-123, 300-301Les Lalanne, exhibition catalogue, Musée des arts décoratifs, Paris, 17 March – 4 Hult 2010, p. 54, 55, 60-61. Adrian Danatt, François-Xavier et Claude Lalanne In the Domain of dreams, New York 2018, pp. 66-67, 81-83, 197------------------------------------------------------------Pour des modèles comparables John Russell Les Lalanne, Paris, 1975, p. 48-50. Les Lalanne, catalogue d’exposition, Galerie Christian Fayt Art, Knokke-Heist, 11 août – 16 septembre 1984, page de couverture et p. 5. Robert Rosenblum, Les Lalanne, Genève, 1991, p. 53 Daniel Marchesseau, Les Lalanne, Paris, 1998, pp. 22-23 Daniel Abadie, Lalanne(s), Paris, 2008, p. 116, 118-123, 300-301. Les Lalanne, catalogue d’exposition, Musée des arts décoratifs, Paris, 17 mars – 4 juillet 2010, p. 54, 55, 60-61. Adrian Danatt, François-Xavier et Claude Lalanne In the Domain of dreams, New York 2018, pp. 66-67, 81-83, 197Catalogue noteFunction is a major component in the work of François-Xavier Lalanne He who liked to say "when you can sit on a work of art, it becomes more familiar" did in fact have a gift for combining form and function, for adjusting and connecting elements, uniting and assembling them. His skill enabled him to transform his animal sculptures into bars, fireplaces, armchairs, lamps or even, albeit less frequently, into desks. Cats, ostriches, monkeys, pigeons, hippopotami, grasshoppers, donkeys turned into sculptures with a practical purpose for our greatest pleasure. However, one animal above all others played a fundamental role in the artist's work and throughout the course of his career: the Rhinoceros. In 1964, the Lalanne's first exhibition opened at the Galerie J in Paris and François-Xavier chose to introduce his first Rhinoceros-Desk: Rhinocrétaire I. It was an immediate success. The story goes that Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely told Alexandre Iolas about their friends' exhibition. The famous art dealer immediately decided to show their work in his gallery. In 1966, François-Xavier presented a new model at the gallery: Rhinocrétaire II - now kept in the collections of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. History was on the move, much like Clara, the rhinoceros who toured Europe in the 18th centu