TEFAF Maastricht returns this month with 270 dealers from 20 countries, presenting some of the market’s finest art, antiques, and design dating from classical antiquity to the 21st century. Since its founding in 1988, TEFAF Maastricht has maintained its reputation as one of the leading art fairs in the world through a stringent vetting process and dedication to presenting the highest quality art—across time periods and mediums—all in one place. The fair, which will run from March 11 through 19, is also slated to have a full schedule of interactive programming, allowing visitors to fully experience and learn about all the fair has to offer.
Alexander Calder, Curly Blue Tail (1967). Courtesy of Galerie von Vertes.
Announced this past December, the 36th edition will be helmed by Bart Drenth, who has been appointed the global managing director following his tenure as interim director. President of TEFAF’s Executive Board Hidde van Seggelen said of the appointment, “Under the leadership of Drenth, TEFAF is well poised to continue to strengthen its position as one of the leading art events in the world.” Also new to the forthcoming iteration is an expanded TEFAF Showcase, a fair section established in 2008 that is devoted to fostering and promoting young and emerging dealers—which has always been a core facet of the fair’s ethos. “As a foundation, TEFAF has always viewed nurturing younger, emerging dealers as central to its mission. This year, we have expanded this support and mentorship, reflected by the increased number of dealers taking part in TEFAF Showcase, an initiative which provides participants with the opportunity to exhibit at TEFAF Maastricht,” said Head of Fairs Will Korner. TEFAF Showcase will have a new, standalone location within the fair, and will present 10 (as opposed to the previous six) galleries.
Antoine Robert Gaudreaus, Louis XV Commode “de vernis a palmes riches,” (ca. 1733–1735). Courtesy of Christophe de Quénetain.
As has come to be expected, TEFAF Maastricht will be presenting an incredible breadth of art and antiques for viewers to explore. Followers of contemporary design can see work from Faye Toodgood’s recent “Assemblage 7: Lost and Found” collection, while admirers of historical furnishings will delight in examples like Antoine Robert Gaudreaus’ Commode “de vernis a palmes riches” (ca. 1733–35). Pioneers of 20th-century art will also be densely represented, with works by Fernand Léger, Jean Tinguely, and Alexander Calder, just to name a few, on view. And, of course, there will be extravagant displays of important jewels—we’re particularly looking forward to seeing Van Cleef and Arpels’ Heritage Necklace and Clip Pendant.
Heritage Necklace and Clip Pendant (1971). Courtesy of Van Cleef and Arpels.
Complimenting the range of booths on view, TEFAF Maastricht will also again offer a broad range of dynamic programming for visitors. TEFAF Talks will present a series of thought-provoking panel discussions that engage with some of the art world’s most prevalent issues. Both centering on fair highlights, TEFAF Meet the Experts will offer interactive conversations with prominent exhibitors, and TEFAF Tours are guided by industry experts, allowing visitors to learn more in-depth about collecting categories and important modes and movements.
Fernand Léger, La Femme au Perroquet (1952). Courtesy of Van de Weghe Fine Art.
Open to the public for over a week, TEFAF Maastricht is the perfect opportunity to explore and discover works from a wide variety of collecting categories, as well as become familiar with the world’s leading dealers.
TEFAF Maastricht is on view from March 11–19, 2023.