TEFAF New York Debuts at Park Avenue Armory with 94 Gallerists

TEFAF, the leading global antiquarian fair from Maastricht, launched its first American edition at New York's Park Avenue Armory, running through Wednesday 26. The fair features 94 gallerists presenting works ranging from Neolithic artifacts, such as a callipygian statuette, to 20th-century pieces like a Cartier water clock from the 1920s. Highlights include an Egyptian sarcophagus, a 7th-century BC Corinthian helmet, a map priced at $10 million drawn just seven years after Verrazzano described the East Coast, and various statues, jewelry, manuscripts, and incunabula. Italian gallerists reported strong interest from American and Asian clients, with many noting the presence of curators from small and large US museums. Alessandra Di Castro praised the cultural preparation of American curators and collectors, while Valentina Rossi of Galleria Carlo Orsi noted that the fair's layout at the Armory offers a more intimate experience compared to the overwhelming scale of Maastricht. Gabriele Caioni of Moretti Gallery in London and Florence observed that most clients were local, with some from Italy. A young assistant at Galleria Burzio expressed surprise at the lack of younger audience. The fair is accompanied by a photo gallery.