Gaston Suisse lacquer panels: 2024 rating and value

If you own a work of art by Gaston Suisse, or one based on the artist's work, and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its current market value. Then, if you wish to sell your work, we'll guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.

Cote et valeur de l'artiste Gaston Suisse

Gaston Suisse leaves behind a unique body of work, revolutionizing French Art Deco furniture. Today, prices for his works are reaching unprecedented heights under the auctioneer's hammer. His works are particularly prized by Italian and American buyers. The price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €60 to €190,000, a considerable gap but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to Gaston Suisse's works. In 2013, a lacquered wood panel sold for €23,000. It depicted antelopes, the animal subject being very present in his works.

Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious

Style and technique of the artist Gaston Suisse

Gaston Suisse belongs to the Art Deco movement, which he represents on all fronts, from the motifs to the materials used. He works mainly with lacquered and decorated wood, which is his trademark. The majority of his production is made up of lacquer panels.

Gaston Suisse, founder of Art Deco furniture

Gaston Suisse (1896-1998) was born in Paris. His father, Georges Suisse, was a great book collector. He was an early reader of his books on art, particularly those on Japanese and Chinese art. This influence can be seen in his work: choice of animal themes and work with lacquered wood.

He befriended Paul Jouve from the age of 15, who helped shape him and influence his art.

He entered the Ecole Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs and chose the specialty of lacquering. In 1914, he won a medal for a piece of furniture made in Chinese lacquer. He was only 18 at the time, and had a promising career ahead of him.

Mobilized at Verdun, he was forced to take a temporary break from his work. He completes his studies and learns the techniques of gilding and oxidation on metals. He perfects the technique of using bleak scales.

His talent was recognized very early on, and like Vasilev Slavik, he was asked to decorate public places, hotels, boats... He also worked with him at Galeries Lafayette. He decorated the Alhambra in Algiers and traveled all over the Maghreb. He was fascinated by the animals of this region, and brought back drawings that became furniture decorations. Like Édouard Marcel Sandoz, he was fascinated by fennecs, which featured prominently in his works. He also created lacquered wood chests for Hermès.

His career was also hampered by the Second World War, when he was drafted once again. He surrendered his arms and escaped to the Free Zone. After the Liberation, he resumed his career until the end of his life. 

Lacquer panels

Gaston Suisse is a specialist in lacquer work, and creates many objects using this technique. The above-mentioned boxes for Hermès, as well as Chinese lacquer boxes and numerous panels, are often found on the auction market and are very popular with collectors and Art Deco enthusiasts. 

Gaston Suisse's imprint 

Gaston Suisse left his mark on his era through the innovation he introduced. He was the founder of what is now known as Art Deco, revitalizing classic furniture with stylistic ornamentation and Haute Epoque materials such as Chinese lacquer. He produced a considerable body of work. His value peaked twenty years ago, but he is still a sought-after artist on the auction market.

Recognizing the artist's signature

Not all works by Gaston Suisse are signed. That's why, if you think you own a work by or after the artist, it's essential to have it appraised by an expert who can authenticate it.

Knowing the value of a work

If you happen to own a work by or after Gaston Suisse, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using the form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your work, as well as ad hoc information about it. If you wish to sell your work of art, our specialists will also be on hand to offer you alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.