"TEFAF transcends mere commercial transactions, distinguishing itself as a fair deeply rooted in art history, unlike any other." -Daniel Cassady from Art News
M.S. Rau's Debut
M.S. Rau’s booth at TEFAF 2024.
As the CEO of America’s largest fine art and antiques gallery, Bill Rau is a recognized figure in the American art world. He stepped into the global spotlight at TEFAF, the world's largest art fair presented by The European Fine Art Federation. While at TEFAF, M.S. Rau garnered hundreds of mentions in local, regional and global news reports. Our booth was described by TEFAF TVas "full of stars," a sentiment echoed by Daniel Cassady of Art News, who remarked, "Rau’s booth alone could have been a room in the Metropolitan Museum." These reports, among many others, highlighted the astonishing offerings and sales we presented in the Netherlands.
TEFAF is the premier global platform for showcasing museum-quality art and antiques, fostering unparalleled access to art history and the highest standards of vetting. A debut happens but once, and its impact is lasting. We embraced this truth wholeheartedly and were astounded by the overwhelming reception and acclaim for our inaugural booth at TEFAF.
TEFAF visitor taking a picture of their child in front of Tête de paysanne à la coiffe blanche by Vincent van Gogh
Two news crews were filming in our booth at the same time.
According to an Artsy article, "The M.S. Rau booth exemplifies a hallmark experience of TEFAF: encountering museum-quality works that captivate visitors." Ideally situated opposite one of TEFAF's esteemed restaurants, our booth was perfectly placed to draw the attention of nearly every attendee. We showcased over 30 of our finest works, including pieces by Degas, Monet, Matisse and notably, an early portrait by Vincent van Gogh, created during his time in Nuenen, a village not far from the fair. This homecoming of sorts stirred significant excitement among attendees, with countless news organizations seeking interviews and a steady flow of patrons eager to capture images of the portrait.
Our inaugural experience at TEFAF exceeded every expectation, from the immense interest in the van Gogh portrait to profound moments of reflection on the masters' works. Claire Wrathall of Artnet noted, "Here, you are aware that some works may not be publicly accessible again in your lifetime," underscoring the emotional weight of potentially losing access to these treasures.
One of our sales consultants speaking to a visitor
From memorable selfies with the van Gogh to a collector being halted mid-negotiation by the director of the Van Gogh Museum, our debut as TEFAF exhibitors was marked by delightful surprises and went above and beyond in every respect.
History of TEFAF
TEFAF has a rich history that stretches back before its first iteration in 1988. It evolved from two specialized events: Pictura Fine Art Fair, dedicated to paintings, and Antiquairs International, focusing on antiques. These fairs highlighted the demand for specialized venues characterized by rigorous vetting and international participation. Positioned in the Netherlands, conveniently near Belgium, France, Germany and England, the first fair that took place in 1975 was well received and attended. After operating independently for over a decade, the governing bodies of the two fairs merged to form The European Fine Art Foundation, becoming the inaugural fair managed exclusively by and for dealers.
TEFAF Today
TEFAF is known for its stunning floral displays.
Today, TEFAF showcases 260 of the world's leading galleries from more than 20 countries over ten days annually. It maintains a rich tradition that spans from Old Master paintings and antiques to modern and contemporary art, sculpture and jewelry. The fair's total inventory, valued at approximately $4 billion, attracts private collectors, museums and the general public, with museum acquisitions increasingly constituting a significant portion of the sales. TEFAF is renowned globally, with media coverage highlighting the fair's exceptional sales and contributing to a broader appreciation for art and art history.
What Distinguishes TEFAF
TEFAF is celebrated for its emphasis on art history over commercial sales and for implementing a rigorous vetting process. Gaining entry as an exhibitor is challenging, as is securing approval for paintings once they are on display. The fair's commitment to ensuring ironclad provenance, along with comprehensive documentation, sets TEFAF apart as a truly exceptional event.
TEFAF visitor taking a picture of their child in front of Tête de paysanne à la coiffe blanche by Vincent van Gogh
