Dubbed the greatest art fair in the world, TEFAF Maastricht (The European Fine Arts Fair) has once again transformed the charming, history-laden city of Maastricht into a global hub for art enthusiasts, collectors, and curators. This year, 273 galleries have come together to showcase over 7,000 years of exquisite works, ranging from ancient Egyptian jewelry to 15th-century armor, medieval illuminated manuscripts, old masters, and cutting-edge contemporary design. TEFAF Maastricht, Europe’s premier fine arts fair, truly offers something for everyone, cementing its reputation as a beacon of cultural and artistic excellence.
The fair’s opening preview days attracted high-profile collectors, art advisors, and over 60 experts from museums and institutions worldwide. Dressed in understated elegance—think Loro Piana, Bruno Cucinelli, and Hermès—these connoisseurs padded through the aisles, their eyes firmly fixed on the treasures on display. Whether their niche was 18th-century snuffboxes, Flemish tapestries, or Japanese ceramic art, the atmosphere was convivial yet focused, as attendees weighed potential acquisitions. This year, TEFAF also made strides to attract a new generation of collectors, with initiatives like an interactive map highlighting works under €20,000, making the fair more accessible to younger art lovers.
Ancient Roman and Greek antiquities offered some of the most compelling value, with pieces like a black-glazed Greek amphora priced at €7,000 from Charles Ede and an Egyptian carnelian falcon pendant at €2,000 from Kallos Gallery. Meanwhile, contemporary design and ceramics also shone, with galleries like Pierre Marie Giraud presenting a stunning mix of works, including crackled glaze glass mushroom lamps by Jos Devriendt and furniture by Herzog & de Meuron. TEFAF Maastricht 2025 runs until March 20, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of human creativity across millennia.
A rediscovery of historic proportions: Klimt’s early work resurfaces
In a remarkable turn of events, an extraordinary rediscovery has shed new light on the early works of Gustav Klimt. The Portrait of Prince William Nii Nortey Dowuona, painted in 1897, has reemerged after nearly a century out of the public eye. This portrait, depicting an important Ghanaian figure, was created during the Vienna Völkerschau, a period when European artists were engaging with non-European cultures in complex and often problematic ways. The painting, which had been missing since 1928, was found in poor condition, with only a faint Klimt ownership stamp remaining.
Expert Prof. Dr. Alfred Weidinger, after years of meticulous research, confirmed the painting’s authenticity. The rediscovery is significant not only for its artistic value but also for the insights it provides into Klimt’s evolving style and the historical connections between Europe and Africa in the late 19th century. The portrait reflects a pivotal moment in Klimt’s career, as he transitioned from traditional academic painting to the more experimental, symbolist style that would define his later work. Offered under a conciliation agreement, this rediscovery is a rare opportunity for collectors and institutions to acquire a piece of art history that bridges continents and cultures.
As the fair concluded W&K – Wienerroither & Kohlbacker (Austria) was in negotiations with two private collectors and two museums, all vying to acquire its rediscovered masterpiece Portrait of Prince William Nii Nortey Dowuona by Gustav Klimt, which had an asking price of 15 million euros.
TEFAF focus and summit on exploring art’s future
This year’s TEFAF Maastricht also featured the return of TEFAF Focus, a platform where galleries delve deeper into the work of a single artist or concept. The curated booths, complete with parquet floors and library walls, created a distinctly domestic appeal, inspiring collectors to reimagine their own spaces. Galleries worked hard to blend genres, juxtaposing art nouveau glass with tribal art or pairing contemporary makers with ancient artisans, creating arresting visual dialogues that captivated visitors.
In parallel, the TEFAF Summit, held in collaboration with the Dutch Commission for UNESCO, AXA XL, Deloitte, and ICOM Belgium Flanders, addressed pressing issues facing the art world. This year’s summit focused on the challenges of declining public funding for the arts, exploring innovative private funding models and the role of philanthropy in sustaining the European non-profit arts sector. The summit underscored TEFAF’s commitment not only to celebrating art’s past but also to shaping its future.
From the rediscovery of Klimt’s early masterpiece to the cutting-edge discussions at the TEFAF Summit, this year’s fair has once again proven why it is the most important event in the global art calendar. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time visitor, TEFAF Maastricht 2025 is an unmissable celebration of art, history, and innovation.
TEFAF Maastricht is universally acclaimed as the world’s leading fair for fine art, antiques, and design, offering an unparalleled journey through 7,000 years of art history. With over 260 prestigious dealers from around 20 countries, the fair presents a curated selection of the finest artworks available on the market. While its roots lie in traditional categories such as Old Master paintings, antiques, and classical antiquities—which make up roughly half of the exhibits—TEFAF Maastricht also embraces modern and contemporary art, photography, jewelry, 20th-century design, and works on paper. This extraordinary diversity ensures that the fair captivates collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts alike, making it a must-visit event for anyone passionate about art and culture.
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