TEFAF (The European Fine Art Fair) Maastricht, one of the world’s most prestigious art and antiques fairs, opened its doors to the public, museum buyers and over 275 exhibiting galleries this week. A collector’s paradise, this selling fair offers everything from contemporary art and photography to jewellery and 20th century design. For the second year running TEFAF welcomed superyacht yards including Amels, Feadship, Heesen, Oceanco and Royal Huisman, who joined forces as HISWA Holland Yachting Group to promote the interests of the Dutch yachting industry.
If you’re looking to expand your onboard art collection, invest in beautiful objet to brighten up your interiors or simply keep up-to-date on the latest art world happenings, here’s what not to miss…
The art
Part fine art sculpture, part stunning objet, Cosmic Ocean (2015) by Toshiya Oguma is our pick of the many exquisite modern artworks on offer from Adrian Sassoon. Hand-carved from Brazilian agate and mounted on a gold leaf stand, at just 7cm tall and 15.5cm in diameter, it is ideal for compact yacht collections or chic yet discreetly luxurious interiors.
For those with more traditional tastes, TEFAF is known as the fair for Old Masters. There are a huge variety of works by names including Willem Claeszoon Heda and Aert van der Neer on offer this year but we can’t help thinking Jean-Baptist Oudry’s semi-nude fisherman, currently owned by Sir Elton John and on sale at Stair Sainty, would feel right at home on a superyacht.
The jewellery
A unique piece of fine jewellery history, Veronique Bamps’ beautiful Art Nouveau bracelet by René Lalique is a clear stand-out for even the most discerning collector. Created in Paris circa 1900, this elegant piece features opalescent moulded glass pansies with central sea-blue oval cut sapphires, set in gold and linked with pearls.
For jewellery aficionados who prefer something with a story, however, there can be only one choice. This intricate pearl and diamond pendant from S.J.Phillips began life in the 1860s as part of the personal collection of Eugenie, Empress of the French, before being sold to Augusto Castellani of Rome, eventually ending up in the hands of Alice Liddell of Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland fame.
The boats
If the sheer abundance of fine jewellery, art and antiques becomes a bit too much, head to the HISWA Holland Yachting Group stand for a little nautical light relief. Representing both The Netherlands and Dutch superyacht industries under the umbrella brand “Think Yachts, Think Holland”, participating shipyards include Amels, Feadship, Heesen Yachts, Oceanco and Royal Huisman.
Visit tefaf.com for more information