Christie's

Unique 'Grande Carpe' Bar, François-Xavier Lalanne, 1972 
Sold at Christie’s, 2024 – $7.4M

Photo Art Direction

A singular creation in every sense, François-Xavier Lalanne’s Grande Carpe Bar (1972) is a one-of-one masterpiece. In a market often driven by editions and multiples, the Grande Carpe stands alone — literally and metaphorically — a testament to Lalanne’s singular vision and the power of object-as-art.

Commissioned directly from Lalanne and first owned by famed collector Maria "São" Schlumberger, the Grande Carpe remained elusive for decades, emerging only occasionally in the public eye. Its 2024 appearance at Christie’s — and its $7.425 million result — cemented its status as a crown jewel not only of Lalanne’s body of work, but of collectible design more broadly.

Studio At Large was commissioned to lead the photo art direction of the historic work to be used across all brand touchpoints leading up to the auction.