Born in Agen, France, François-Xavier Lalanne initially studied sculpture, painting, and drawing at the Académie Julian in Paris. He began his career as a painter but transitioned to sculpture in the 1950s, eventually forming a lifelong creative partnership with his wife, Claude Lalanne.

His work is characterized by the integration of animal forms into functional household items, such as his iconic sheep sculptures that serve as ottomans or his rhinoceros-shaped desk. Working primarily in bronze, copper, and iron, he created a distinct aesthetic that bridged the gap between traditional sculpture and decorative arts.

Throughout his career, Lalanne maintained a consistent focus on the intersection of nature and domesticity. His collaborative work with Claude, collectively known as Les Lalanne, achieved significant international recognition for its playful subversion of everyday objects.