A Rare Medieval Manuscript Steals the Spotlight at TEFAF Maastricht
The 38th edition of the TEFAF Maastricht fair, held in the Netherlands, opened its doors to invited guests for a preview on Thursday, showcasing some of the world’s most extraordinary works of art. Among the standout exhibits was a rare medieval manuscript hand-painted by the renowned French illuminator Jean Pichore and his workshop. This exquisite piece, unseen for over 60 years, is a book of hours that once belonged to Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII of England. The manuscript, dated around 1509, features intricate illustrations, including a depiction of a young Henry VIII kneeling alongside Catherine and an angel. Dr. Jörn Günther, a Swiss dealer in illuminated manuscripts, described the piece as “world history,” emphasizing the intimate connection it offers to the lives of medieval figures. Priced at 1.4 million Swiss Francs (approximately $1.6 million), the manuscript is not just a work of art but a tangible piece of history, offering a glimpse into the private devotional life of one of Tudor England’s most consequential queens.
Challenges and Headwinds for the Art World
Despite the excitement surrounding the manuscript and other exhibits, the art market faces significant challenges. Old master paintings have fallen out of favor with private collectors, and the global art market is experiencing a slump. Additionally, President Trump’s trade wars have created uncertainty, disrupting long-standing trade ties between the U.S. and Europe. Massimiliano Caretto, a partner in the Rome- and Turin-based dealership Caretto & Occhinegro, noted that the unpredictable political climate has left many in the art world feeling anxious. “With Trump and the wars, everyone is frightened about everything,” he said. However, TEFAF remains a beacon of hope for dealers, collectors, and museums, as it is one of the last major international fairs dedicated to pre-20th-century art. This year, the event featured 273 exhibitors from 21 countries, showcasing a wide range of art and antiquities.
Museums Step In as Key Buyers of Old Masters
In recent years, museums have become increasingly important buyers at TEFAF, particularly American institutions. This trend was evident during the preview, as several high-profile sales were made to museums. For instance, an Italian gallery sold a rediscovered panel painting of Christ’s “Entombment” by the 16th-century Flemish painter Maerten van Heemskerck to an undisclosed museum. The painting, priced at 500,000 euros (approximately $544,000), is believed to be the central image of an altarpiece whose side panels are housed in the Worcester Art Museum in Massachusetts. Another notable sale was a mid-17th-century painting by the Flemish artist Michael Sweerts, “Virgin at Prayer With Self-Portrait,” which sold to a European museum for about €4 million (approximately $4.3 million). These acquisitions reflect the ongoing effort by museums to acquire rare and historically significant works, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
A Fresh Focus on Contemporary and Underrepresented Artists
While TEFAF is best known for its pre-20th-century art, the fair has also expanded its offerings to include modern and contemporary works. This year, about 60 dealers showcased pieces by 20th- and 21st-century artists, attracting a diverse crowd of collectors and curators. One of the standout exhibitions was a collection of Surrealist paintings and drawings by Juliana Seraphim, a Palestinian-born Lebanese artist whose work has long been overlooked. Her opulent and enigmatic pieces, suffused with erotic symbolism, resonated with museums looking to diversify their collections. A 1968 oil painting by Seraphim, priced at €120,000 (approximately $130,000), was reserved by a museum during the preview. This focus on underrepresented artists aligns with a broader movement in the art world to rebalance collections and give voice to marginalized voices, particularly women and artists from diverse cultural backgrounds.
A Vibrant and International Crowd at TEFAF
Despite the challenges facing the art market, the preview of TEFAF Maastricht was bustling with activity. Dealers reported robust sales, and the fair attracted a highly international crowd, including Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and Princeton University Art Museum. James Steward, director of the Princeton University Art Museum, highlighted the importance of events like TEFAF for connecting with dealers and discovering rare works that fill gaps in museum collections. Steward expressed his commitment to diversity and inclusivity, noting that his institution will continue to seek out underrepresented artists and cultures. This sentiment was echoed by other museum directors and curators, who emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage in an increasingly polarized world.
Art as a Symbol of Hope and Resilience
The TEFAF Maastricht fair is more than just a marketplace for art; it is a celebration of human creativity and resilience. Even as the art world faces uncertainty, the event remains a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire and connect people across cultures and time. From the intimate illustrations of Jean Pichore’s manuscript to the vibrant abstract paintings of Hans Hofmann, the fair offered a reminder of the beauty and significance of art in all its forms. As Penny Vinik, a Boston-based collector, noted after reserving a large abstract painting by Hofmann, “I love the bright colors. It looks optimistic to me.” In a world filled with challenges, TEFAF Maastricht serves as a beacon of hope, reinforcing the importance of art in bringing people together and fostering understanding and appreciation for the diverse tapestry of human history.
