Choupatte (Cabbage with Legs)
Sculpture, outdoor free-standing • Claude Lalanne (1925–2019)
Style & Movement
Surrealism / Decorative Modernism (Les Lalanne)
Medium & Technique
Bronze with a turquoise/verdigris patina, cast using the lost-wax (cire perdue) process from a direct organic mold
Creation Period
Modern (original concept circa 2012, this edition likely produced 2012-2022)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 70-130 cm in height (multiple scale editions exist); Three-dimensional vertical format
Subject Description
A whimsical hybrid creature featuring the head of a cabbage supported by the legs and feet of a bird (likely a chicken or crow). The composition blends botanical accuracy with zoomorphic fantasy, reflecting the artist's fascination with the metamorphosis of nature.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The patina appears intentional and well-integrated into the casting.
Estimated Market Value
$250,000 - $600,000 USD (depending on size and edition number)
Auction Estimate
$300,000 - $500,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a private collection or acquired through a gallery such as Ben Brown Fine Arts or Marlborough Gallery; typically numbered and signed on the bronze base/leg.
Art Historical Significance
The Choupatte is Claude Lalanne's most iconic motif, symbolizing the Surrealist spirit of the 20th century while maintaining a deep connection to the French tradition of decorative arts and naturalism.
Notable Features
Features the signature 'Lalanne' stamp and edition number; the verdigris patina is exceptionally vibrant, highlighting the intricate veins of the cabbage leaves.
Condition Issues
Minor surface oxidation due to outdoor exposure; potential for bird lime or environmental debris accumulation in the leaf folds.
Conservation Recommendations
Periodic cleaning with distilled water and soft brushes; professional reapplication of protective microcrystalline wax to preserve the verdigris finish if kept outdoors.