François-Xavier Lalanne (1927-2008), La Mouche toilet, 1966
Brass, steel, ceramic, Altuglas and rosewood
Donation in payment of inheritance tax, 2021
Inv. 2021.102.1
© ADAGP, Paris / Les Arts Décoratifs / photo: Christophe Dellière
If you would like to use this image, please contact the picture library
La Mouche, a unique piece in François-Xavier Lalanne’s work, is as rare as it is daring. Its wings, made of Altuglas (a translucent synthetic material), fold up to reveal the blue porcelain toilet bowl. This early work reflects Lalanne’s fascination with bestiary and entomology, as well as his surrealist aspirations and taste for play on words.