François-Xavier Lalanne (1927-2008), Rhinoceros writing desk, 1966
Brass, rhinoceros horn, wood sheathed in polished brass sheet, leather, steel
Acquisition of the Rhinocrétaire II made possible thanks to the generous donation of Gregory and Regina Annenberg Weingarten / GRoW @ Annenberg
Inv. 2010.1.1
© ADAGP, Paris / Les Arts Décoratifs / photo: Jean Tholance
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This spectacular Rhinoceros is one of the most emblematic works of the half-poetic, half-surrealist world of the sculptor and engraver François-Xavier Lalanne. The metal carapace shows the perfect handling of brass by craft workers. It can be opened to reveal a desk with several storage areas. This theme of the “utilitarian” animal became recurrent in the artist’s work: sheep chairs, hippopotamus bath, gorilla mantelpiece.