TEFAF, Part II

Markt Square, Maastricht. Every day in Maastricht has been more beautiful than the day before.

Reported sales mark TEFAF opening
By Augustus Mayhew

While there wasn't yesterday's crush, TEFAF opened its 27th edition on Friday morning with a rash of red dots on cards at several stands and talk of considerable sales. Set to run until March 23, attracting as many 70,000 fairgoers, this year my two days was only time enough to linger at the German Expressionist works at Henze & Ketterer, marvel at the extraordinary photography at Gallerie Johannes Faber, and be pleasantly startled at Les Enluminures phenomenal volumes, among probably more than one hundred other captivating stands.

Once again, there was a measurable crowd waiting for the gates to open.

Whether gratified by art's aesthetics or economics, TEFAF's Great Hall of Wonders is as much a showcase for artists and artisans as it is an engaging marketplace. Tomorrow, Saturday, it is on to Rotterdam and the work of Rem Koolhaas.

Here is a look at this morning's symposium and my last snaps at TEFAF.

Though the stands were busy, navigating the aisles was more manageable.

The day began with Dr. Clare Andrews presenting TEFAF's annual art market economic report in an auditorium at MECC.

Dr. Clare Andrews, founder of Arts Economics, delivered an overview of her report that was released on the eve of the opening Vernissage.

Reasons for low levels of e-Commerce in the art market.

Growth of the online art market.

Following the market report, Marie Kalt, editor Architectural Digest-France, moderated a panel headlined "Addicted to Vintage - Trends in 20th Century Design," sponsored by 1stdibs. To her right, British journalist and design expert Ian Phillips.

Marshmellow Settee, c. 1956. George Nelson. Phillips pointed out various peak sales for vintage furniture. In 2006, Nelson's Marshmellow Settee sold for more than $50,000.

Jean Prouve's "Grand Repos" armchair sold at Art Curial, Paris, for $656,680 in 2011.

Eileen Gray's "Dragon" armchair sold at the YSL auction in Paris for more then $28 million US.

Willem Baron von Dedem, chairman of the TEFAF board of trustees.

Marie Kalt and Olivier Gabet.

Michael Bruno, 1stdibs founder and CEO.

Chanhan Minassian, interior designer , was one of the symposium's speakers.

Here are some of the 20th century design stands at this year's TEFAF.

Galerie Downtown, Paris. Francois, Laffanour, director.

L'Arc on Seine, Paris.

Sebastian+ Barquet, New York.

Eric Philippe, Paris.

Eric Philippe, gallerist.

Dansk Mobilkunst Gallery, Copenhagen and Paris.

Here are several galleries of interest.

Jean-David Cahn, Basel.

Kukje Gallery and Tina Kim Gallery.

Bowman Sculpture, London. Auguste Rodin.

Beck & Eggeling International Fine Art, Dusseldorf.

Flore de Brantes, Brussels.

Dickinson, London. Lulu and Mimi. Niki de Saint Phalle, artist. 625,000 Euros.

The haute joiallerie stands were brilliant in their craft and provenance.

A. Aardewerk Antiquair, The Hague. The elevated centerpiece is by Spanish artist Lluis Masriera,c. 1910.

A. Aardewerk Antiquair, The Hague. A gold and diamond Rene Boivin, c. 1959, brooch is this display's highlight with various works fom Cartier and George Lenfant.