A Seller’s Guide to François Xavier Lalanne
Oiseau Bleu © François Xavier Lalanne 1975
Francois Xavier Lalanne
26 works
Key Takeaways
François Xavier Lalanne's prints have shown significant market strength since the artist’s passing in 2008, with individual pieces typically fetching between £2,000 and £15,000. Collections of etchings and engravings can command higher prices, with some rare editions achieving over £19,000 at auction. The record price for a single Lalanne print stands at £16,276 for Oiseau Bleu (1975). Authentication of Lalanne's prints requires careful examination of paper quality, printing technique, and provenance, with reference to gallery records and exhibition catalogues. Strategic timing of sales, such as during major retrospectives or following high-profile sculptural sales, can optimise returns for sellers, as evidenced by the market surge during the 2021 Lalanne at Triannon exhibition at the Palace of Versailles.
François Xavier Lalanne, one half of the artistic duo known as Les Lalanne, is primarily celebrated for his surrealist animal sculptures and functional art pieces. However, his work in printmaking, though less extensive, offers collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of his whimsical artistic vision in a more accessible format. This guide aims to navigate the market for Lalanne's prints, providing insights into valuation, authentication, and effective selling strategies.
A blend of fantasy, functionality, and wit characterised Lalanne's artistic approach. His prints often reflect the same playful spirit found in his sculptures, featuring stylised animals and nature-inspired motifs. While Lalanne's sculptural works might dominate auction headlines, his prints have garnered increasing attention from collectors who appreciate the artist's distinctive aesthetic in a two-dimensional form.
Throughout his career, Lalanne collaborated with various printmaking studios, primarily in France. These partnerships resulted in limited edition lithographs and etchings that capture the essence of his three-dimensional works. The prints often showcase his most iconic designs, such as the sheep, hippopotamus, and various bird species, translated into the medium of paper and ink.
How Much do François Xavier Lalanne Prints Sell For?
A resurgence in interest in naive and whimsical art has meant that the market for François Xavier Lalanne's work continues to be strong. While his sculptural works command the highest prices, his prints offer a more accessible entry point for collectors interested in owning a piece of Lalanne's art.
Individual prints by Lalanne typically fetch between £2,000 and £15,000, depending on their rarity and how well they encapsulate his unique artistic vision. His most sought-after prints often feature his iconic animal designs, particularly those that mirror his famous sculptural works. For example, lithographs of his bird, fish, and cow designs tend to perform well.
With a few exceptions, Lalanne’s etchings and engravings achieve the highest sale prices. A collection of four Oiseau (1985) etchings, for example, holds the record for highest value achieved by a collection of Lalanne prints. They sold for £19,013 in 2019. An edition of the engraving Pomme Paysage (1975), also sold in 2019 for £14,692. This particular print is a perfect example of another of Lalanne’s signature styles - a landscape etched within the outline of an apple. Vache Paysage (1976), depicting a sunny countryside view within the outline of a cow, is another example.
The record price achieved by a single Lalanne print is £16,276 - a lithograph of Lalanne’s cheerful depiction of a blue bird holding a green berry in its beak, titled Oiseau Bleu (1975), sold from Dorothée Lalanne’s private collection in 2021. Lalanne's collaborative works with his wife, Claude, are also highly prized by collectors. Prints that showcase both artists' designs or that were created during their joint exhibitions often achieve premium prices due to their representation of the couple's shared artistic legacy.
How Do You Authenticate a François Xavier Lalanne Print?
The process of authenticating a Lalanne print begins with examination of the print's history of ownership and exhibition. When a print is published by an established print studio or publishing house, a certificate of authenticity is usually issued - this can be the most valuable piece of documentation when proving any print’s legitimacy. Similarly, gallery receipts from past sales should all be kept to trace how and when the print has changed hands.
Documentation should then be supported by published resources. While there is no comprehensive catalogue raisonné dedicated solely to Lalanne's prints, several key resources can aid in authentication. Exhibition catalogues from major retrospectives, such as the 2010 show at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, provide valuable documentation of Lalanne's printed works. Additionally, records from galleries that represented Les Lalanne, such as Paul Kasmin Gallery in New York and Gallerie Mitterand in Paris, can offer crucial information for verifying the authenticity of prints.
Edition & Signature
François Xavier Lalanne's approach to signing and numbering his prints varied throughout his career. His signature appears in a few different forms, often rendered as “F.Lalanne,” "F.X. Lalanne," or simply "FXL" in the lower right margin. The edition number is usually found in the lower left, written as a fraction, and sometimes accompanied by the print’s title. Lalanne also often included the year, written as “75,” or the exact date of printing, written as “14.3.75.”
Lalanne often produced his prints in small editions, typically ranging from 12 to 50 copies, which has helped maintain their value and desirability in the market. Unique prints, labelled “TP” (trial proof) or “EA” (épreuve d'artiste, or artist proof) are the highest-value prints in each edition as they are much rarer. In Lalanne’s case, he gave each of his artist-proofs a number. Even rarer prints are Lalanne’s “HC,” or Hors D’Commerce, prints. These prints were never intended for sale, likely given as gifts to friends and family, and are generally identified by provenance, as they don’t always have edition numbers. Most of the top 10 highest-value Lalanne print auction sales have been EA, TP, or HC prints.
Browse Francois Xavier Lalanne prints on the Trading Floor and find out more about the print market growth on the MAB100 Print Index.
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Has Your François Xavier Lalanne Print Been Kept in Good Condition?
When assessing a Lalanne print, examine the paper for discolouration, fading, or foxing, especially around the edges. Yellowing or brittleness can indicate exposure to sunlight or improper storage. Many Lalanne prints also incorporate embossing or relief elements, both to mimic sculptural textures and as a result of his chosen methods of printing. Examine these areas for flattening, creasing, or damage that might compromise the intended effect. For prints with hand-colouring or additional elements, preservation of these unique touches is crucial.
We recommend storing prints flat, in acid-free portfolios, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity. If framed, use UV-protective glass and acid-free matting to prevent light damage and acid migration. Ensure framing allows adequate space for embossed or relief elements.
Professional conservation should be undertaken carefully to preserve the print's integrity. Overzealous cleaning or restoration can alter the delicate balance of colours and textures, potentially diminishing both aesthetic appeal and market value. For a thorough assessment, consult a paper conservator specialising in 20th-century prints or familiar with Lalanne's work.
For advice on how to get started with condition assessment of your Francois Xavier Lalanne print, contact MyArtBroker.
When is the Best Time to Sell My Francois Xavier Lalanne Print?
The market for Lalanne’s prints has grown steadily after an initial spike following his passing in 2008. Now, print value and collector demand can be influenced by general market trends, significant anniversaries, prestigious exhibitions, and high-profile sales of Lalanne’s sculptural works.
Major exhibitions or retrospectives focusing on Les Lalanne often generate increased interest. For example, the Les Lalanne: Makers of Dreams exhibition at Ben Brown Fine Arts in London in 2022 reignited interest in Les Lalanne’s artistic legacy. The greatest surge in high-value print sales, however, came during the Lalanne at Triannon sculptural exhibition at the Palace of Versailles in 2021. In the final month of this display, two sculptures sold for the second and third highest prices ever achieved by a Lalanne work. Together, these factors created a halo effect that was felt across Lalanne’s print market, too.
We recommend tracking market trends related to French post-war art or the intersection of fine art and design. Additionally, the growing appreciation for functional ‘furniture’ art has the power to positively impact Lalanne’s market performance. Monitoring sales results and value trajectory reports from major auction houses and galleries is often the most effective way to assess the current market. These resources can provide insights into which periods or themes of Lalanne's printmaking are currently in highest demand. For instance, if there's a surge of interest in Lalanne's animal-themed works, it might be an opportune time to sell prints featuring his iconic sheep or hippopotamus designs.
MyArtBroker offers advanced art tech tools to help you determine the optimal time to sell. Our MyPortfolio service features an AI-powered value indicator that provides real-time valuations of individual prints based on both public and private sales data. Combined with our complimentary valuations, we can help ensure your print achieves maximum value by selling at the perfect moment.
Where Can I Sell My Francois Xavier Lalanne Print?
Selling a Francois Xavier Lalanne Via a Broker
Engaging a private broker or dealer offers a more personalised approach to selling a Francois Xavier Lalanne print. These art market professionals can develop tailored sales strategies based on their understanding of the Lalanne market and their networks of collectors interested in German Neo-Expressionism and post-war European art. Brokers offer the advantage of discretion, potentially quicker sales, and personalised advice throughout the transaction. This route can be particularly effective for prints that might appeal to specific collectors, such as those focused on Lalanne's early career or his more recent works. Working with a broker typically involves lower fees compared to auction houses, generally ranging from 10% to 20%. Brokers can leverage their knowledge of the market and collector preferences to target potential buyers effectively. They may also have insights into collectors actively seeking Lalanne's work. While you might miss out on the broader exposure that public auctions provide, the expertise and network of a knowledgeable broker can be invaluable, especially for mid-range Lalanne prints. Look for a broker with a proven track record in handling Lalanne's work and a deep understanding of the market for post-war German prints. Their expertise can be invaluable in positioning your print effectively and reaching the right collectors.
Selling a Francois Xavier Lalanne Via Auction House
Prestigious auction houses such as Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips offer a global platform for your print. These institutions leverage their extensive networks to attract serious collectors from around the world, particularly from Europe and North America where Lalanne's work is highly valued. The competitive atmosphere of a live auction can be advantageous for rare or historically significant Lalanne prints, potentially driving prices higher than initially estimated. Auction houses invest heavily in marketing and promotion, creating glossy catalogues and hosting preview events that can generate excitement around the works on offer. Their ability to contextualise Lalanne's work within the broader spectrum of post-war and contemporary art can enhance its appeal to collectors. However, selling through an auction house comes with considerations. Fees can be substantial, often reaching 25% of the hammer price. There's also the inherent unpredictability of auctions; your piece might exceed expectations or fail to meet its reserve price. You will have limited control over the timing and presentation of the sale, as you'll need to adhere to the auction house's schedule and cataloguing process. For high-value Lalanne prints, particularly rare early woodcuts or complete portfolios, the auction route can be highly effective. However, ensure you understand the terms of consignment and any associated costs before proceeding.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling a Francois Xavier Lalanne Via Online Marketplace
Online art marketplaces have grown in popularity, offering a platform for sellers to reach a global audience of art enthusiasts and collectors. These digital venues can be effective for more accessible Lalanne prints, providing an opportunity for quick sales with lower fees compared to traditional channels. Online platforms allow you to control the listing details and pricing, with tools for showcasing high-quality images and detailed descriptions of the work. However, selling high-value artworks online comes with challenges. There's a risk of undervaluing the work due to platform limitations, and the lack of expert curation can make it difficult for exceptional pieces to stand out. Authentication concerns are also more pronounced in the online space. Opt for specialised platforms that focus on fine art and have robust verification processes. These platforms are more likely to attract serious collectors and provide the necessary security measures for high-value transactions. While it can be an effective option for more modestly priced prints or those from larger editions, it may not provide the level of expertise and targeted marketing that traditional auction houses or specialist brokers can offer for significant pieces.
Why Sell Your François Xavier Lalanne with MyArtBroker?
A Dedicated Broker
MyArtBroker offers a distinctive service connecting clients with their dedicated personal broker, ensuring a secure transaction through our online digital platform. Our specialists excel at sourcing direct buyers for consigned prints via our live trading floor, where users within our extensive network can express interest in specific prints and multiples by particular artists, whether they intend to sell, buy, or simply enquire about a specific print. Our team is approachable, passionate, and consistently provides updates on the art market and artists. We guide sellers through a seamless transaction process, establishing a fair market valuation based on realistic sale prices and offering free advice on the optimal timing for selling, leveraging our extensive knowledge of the art market.
Minimise Risk
At MyArtBroker, we prioritise transparency and security in every art sale. Our stringent due diligence process ensures the authentication and verification of artwork provenance, drawing upon our in-house expertise and collaborating with professional external contacts when needed. This approach effectively mitigates the risk of trading counterfeit or stolen art pieces. Additionally, we minimise the risks associated with public sales. While public auctions may seem appealing, unsold prints can harm an artist's market. Private sales eliminate this risk and enable quicker liquidity release for your artwork compared to adhering to strict auction schedules dictating when your work can be offered for sale.
0% Seller's Fees, 100% of the Time
Our team of specialists offers tailored services to procure rare and special edition prints, catering to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the market. As part of our standard practice, we provide complimentary valuations and charge zero seller's fees, setting us apart from other private brokers and traditional auction houses. By minimising overhead costs, we allocate resources towards digital innovation and targeted marketing strategies within our network and house magazine.
When it comes to selling artwork, achieving the best price hinges on accessing a niche market with an established collector community. If you're looking to sell a print, turning to a specialist in the print market, like MyArtBroker, yields superior results compared to approaching an auction house, which caters to broader categories of artwork.
Our Network
Through our live trading floor we empower our network of collectors, fundamentally reshaping the art investment and trading landscape in the digital era. Offering real time market data and insights gleaned from worldwide collectors, we establish value based on convenience, accessibility, and the exceptional level of transparency and security provided to over tens of thousands of users.
Read our cohesive report to navigate the art market as a seller: A Guide to Selling Prints in the Current Market.
François Xavier Lalanne Collection Management with MyPortfolio
In addition to our live trading floor, MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio serves as a collection management system, empowering collectors to curate and oversee their prints and editions collection. This feature grants users access to our print market database, uniquely tied to our proprietary algorithm, SingularityX. This algorithm scans and analyses both public auction and private sales data to determine real time valuations of individual print works, factoring in various aspects such as condition, colour, and other factors affecting value.
Read What Powers MyArtBroker's Technology? In Conversation With Stuart Jamieson, Financial Quant to learn more about our algorithm.
