A Sneak Peek at the Inaugural TEFAF New York Fall Fair
Back in February, news broke that the venerable European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) would launch two editions stateside—one in the fall of 2016 and the other in the spring of 2017—sending shockwaves through the industry. Both fairs, which will be held annually, will take place at the historic Park Avenue Armory, with the first focusing on art from antiquity to the twentieth century, and the latter presenting modern and contemporary art and design. According to Patrick van Maris van Dijk, CEO of TEFAF, “On numerous occasions our exhibitors in Maastricht have expressed the need and desire for a TEFAF platform in the US, as have many private and institutional collectors...As the world’s most buoyant art market, New York is a perfect match . . . It also provides a perfect window to TEFAF Maastricht for those in the United States who are not yet acquainted with TEFAF."
TEFAF New York Fall—a joint venture between TEFAF and the New York-based art advisory firm, Artvest Partners—will feature ninety-four international dealers, including A La Vieille Russie, Richard Green, Menconi + Schoelkopf, Lillian Nassau, LLC, Taylor|Graham, and Erik Thomsen Gallery. The fair recently released a “first look,” providing a glimpse of the magnificent treasures that will be on hand at the inaugural event, which kicks off with an Opening Night party on Friday, October 21, and runs through Wednesday, October 26.
Among the highlights is a magnificently detailed display cabinet by the Herter Brothers—the New York-based interior designers and furniture makers responsible for the Park Avenue Armory’s remarkable Board of Officers Room—from Hirschl & Adler Galleries. Created between 1879 and 1880, the exquisite case piece exemplifies the Herter Brothers’ eclectic aesthetic, consummate craftsmanship, and painstaking attention to detail. Hirschl & Adler will also be exhibiting a mahogany card table by the French-born cabinetmaker, Charles-Honoré Lannuier, a covered vase by the renowned porcelain artist, Edward Lycett, and paintings by Asher Durand and Francis A. Silva.
Other notable works include an Art Deco “Le Ciel” Mystery Clock by Cartier. The opulent timepiece— complete with rose-cut diamond comet hands, mother-of-pearl and enamel hour markers, a frame of black onyx and coral, and two antique carved jade fish—is being offered by Siegelson. Meanwhile, Åmells Konsthandel will present a luminous interior scene by the Swedish Arts and Crafts painter, Carl Larsson, and the Munich-based jewelry house, Hemmerle, will be exhibiting an array of dazzling items, including a pair of earrings crafted out of jade, diamonds, bronze, and white gold.
TEFAF New York Fall will anchor the newly launched TEFAF WEEK—a seven-day extravaganza that will include exhibitions, lectures, and art events scheduled to coincide with the fair at the Park Avenue Armory. Its mission is to celebrate the fine and decorative arts sector in New York City during a time when the world’s top dealers, museum leaders, collectors, and interior designers converge for TEFAF New York Fall.
Stay tuned to InCollect for more information about TEFAF New York Fall.