Brebis: 1997, ~ 39 x 39 x 16 inches (99 x 99 x 40.5 cm), Edition 154/250.
Belier: 1996, ~ 37 x 40 x 13 3/4 inches (94 x 101.5 x 35 cm), Edition 53/250.
Agneau: 1994, ~ 20 1/2 x 24 x 7 inches (52 x 61 x 17.5 cm), Edition 111/500.

Notably one of the most dynamic and illustrious husband-and-wife duos of the 20th century, François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne’s surrealist sculptures are inspired by nature. François-Xavier Lalanne’s playful sheep, or Moutons, have become his most iconic work. His first iteration of sheep sculptures was his renown ‘Moutons de Laine’ in 1965, inspired by the ancient Greek story in Homer’s Odyssey that describes Ulysses and his cohorts blinding Polyphemus and escaping from his cave by hiding underneath giant sheep that were let out to graze. The sheep were exhibited at the Salon de la Jeune Peinture of Paris with guests sitting atop, giving them a distinct fusion of fine and decorative arts.

Lalanne’s collection of sheep now includes additional variations of Moutons in epoxy stone and patinated bronze, created from 1996-97 and cast at the Landowski Fondeur in France. This exquisite series, entitled ‘Les Nouveaux Moutons’, is made up of Belier, the Brebis, the Angeau, and Le Mouton Transhumant. The whimsical sculptures demystify art and capture its joie de vivre.