'Petit Oiseau sur Balançoire', circa 1999

The intricacy afforded by Claude Lalanne’s galvanization process adds significant value to her smaller sculptural works, such as the Oiseau sur Balançoire (Bird on Swing). The level of natural realism and the manner in which Claude shapes the branches and leaves into energetic forms reaching outwards gives the impression of movement even as the swing sits still. The delicate and detailed nature of Claude’s pieces are in large part due to an electroplating technique that transforms organic material, often plants and animals found near her home in Ury, France, into galvanized copper. During this process, flora and fauna are submerged in a copper sulphate bath and fused with a thin metal layer. The resulting texture and detail project an air of realism not readily found in metalwork. The present stylized gilt bronze bird perches on the swing decorated with highly detailed galvanized copper leaves and tendrils demonstrating Claude's whimsical and fantastical vision.