Beschreibung:

François-Xavier Lalanne Unique Grand Bouquetin1999 patinated gilt bronzeMonogrammed FxL, stamped LALANNE, numbered 1/1 R and dated 99 on a paw 94,5 x 134 x 30 cm ; 37¼x 52¾x 11¾in. ------------------------------------------------------------ François-Xavier Lalanne Grand Bouquetin, pièce unique1999 bronze doré patinéMonogrammé FxL, estampillé LALANNE, numéroté 1/1 R et daté 99 sur une patte 94,5 x 134 x 30 cm ; 37¼x 52¾x 11¾in.Condition reportVery good overall condition. This rare model is a highly sculptural piece conveying the artist’s mastery of animal proportions. The Grand Bouquetin presents with dark oxidation stains throughout, mostly visible on a side of the head, on the horns, on the hoofs and on the underside.There are some small vert-de-gris stains on the bottom and on a the back leg. Scattered liquid stains visible on the piece more visible on the flank, consistent with normal use. A round restoration of approximately 5 cm is visible on the back, most probably a minimal casting imperfection corrected at the time of the cast. The Bouquetin was executed with a subtle textural thatched surface, evoking the texture of the animal’s coat.Scattered tiny cast defaults and scratches inherent to the making.ProvenanceCommissioned directly to the artist in 1999Private collection, Switzerland------------------------------------------------------------Commande spécialeCollection privée, SuisseLiterature Catalogue noteWhile visiting the Lalannes in Ury in 1998, our patron came across a very unique capricorn in the artists' lounge, standing before the fireplace. The animal, drawn out to its full length, instantly attracted our collector. He then asked the artist if he would agree to create a similar sculpture for himself and his wife, to be placed in front of their fireplace, but on the condition that the animal be a different one, that it could be used as a seat, and that it be a stand-alone piece. This was how the Alpine Ibex came to be. The collector couple owned a chalet in the Alps and enjoyed animal sculptures. The commission was confirmed, and François-Xavier enquired about the dimensions of the mantel and the hearth of the chalet's fireplace. He produced a first sketch and had it sent by fax on May 6, 1999 (fig 1). Upon securing an approval in principle, he made a clay model. This was then photographed and sent by mail to the client for validation. (Fig2). The couple loved it and expressed their delight. It was therefore agreed that the animal would be cast in bronze and given a golden patina. François-Xavier did run into some difficulties with the delicate ciselling of the horns, as he explained in a letter dated April 6th 1999 apologizing for it. The ibex was finally delivered in December 2000, placed in front of the fireplace, and has remained there to this day. This original piece, the only one of its kind, reveals how François-Xavier Lalanne worked: a detailed sketch, then a model, then the casting in bronze for the final version. This commission is a wonderful example of François-Xavier Lalanne's ability to give free rein to his overflowing imagination. In the words of Claude Lalanne "He conjures up dreams while awake and invites us to do the same when looking at his finished sculpture." Let us then dream as we look upon this Great Ibex, the only one of its kind. This lot is sold with a certificate from Claude Lalanne of April 9th 2013------------------------------------------------------------ C’est à l’occasion d’une visite chez les Lalanne à Ury en 1998 que notre commanditaire découvre placé dans le salon des artistes, devant la cheminée, un capricorne bien particulier. L’animal étiré de tout son long séduit immédiatement notre collectionneur. Il demande alors à l’artiste si il accepterait de réaliser pour lui et son épouse une sculpture dans le même esprit pour la placer également devant leur cheminée, mais et c’est une condition, souhaite avoir un animal différent sur lequel on peut s’asseoir et en pièce uniqu