TEFAF NEW YORK OFFERS FIRST LOOK OF ITS DEBUT FAIR
The Centerpiece of TEFAF Week to be Held at the Historic Park Avenue Armory. The fair will feature 94 of the world’s most illustrious dealers of fine art, design, furniture, and
jewelry from antiquity through the early 20th Century.
TEFAF New York Fall will be the centerpiece of the newly launched TEFAF WEEK in New
York, an event-filled week of exhibitions, lectures, and art events scheduled to coincide with the
fair at the Park Avenue Armory. Its mission is to celebrate the fine and decorative arts sector in
New York City during a time when the world’s top specialist dealers, museum curators/directors,
collectors and interior designers converge for TEFAF New York Fall. TEFAF WEEK is a
partnership between TEFAF New York and distinguished cultural institutions and associations,
world-class museums and top-tier fine and decorative art specialists in the New York
metropolitan area.
First Look at TEFAF New York Fall
The exhibitors of TEFAF New York Fall are leaders in their respective fields with a number of
them showing for the first time in New York, or returning after a significant hiatus. They are A.
Aardewerk Antiquair Juwelier, Adam Williams Fine Art Ltd., Agnews, Alberto Di Castro,
Alessandra Di Castro, Åmells, Antiquariaat Forum bv, Ben Janssens Oriental Art Ltd., Benappi,
Burzio, Carlo Orsi, Christophe de Quénetain, Daniel Katz Ltd., De Jonckheere, Dickinson,
Eguiguren Arte de Hispanoamérica, Eric Coatalem, G. Sarti Antiques Ltd., Galerie Didier Claes,
Galerie Jacques Germain, Galerie Kevorkian, Galerie Meyer – Oceanic & Eskimo Art, Galerie
Sanct Lucas GmbH, Galleria Carlo Virgilio & Co, Gallery Perrin, Hemmerle, Heribert Tenschert-
Antiquariat Bibermühle AG, Jaime Eguiguren-Arte y Antigüedades, Jean-Luc Baroni Ltd, Joan
Wijermars, Jorge Welsh Works of Art, Ltd., Julius Böhler Kunsthandlung GmbH, Kunstgalerij
Albricht, Kunsthandel S. Mehringer OHG, Kunstkammer Georg Laue, Lowell Libson Ltd, Otto
Jakob, Reza, Rob Smeets Old Master Paintings, Sam Fogg Ltd., Siegelson, Vanderven
Oriental Art and Wallace Chan.
Highlights
Three dealers from this eminent group listed above – The Kunstkammer Georg Laue,
(Munich/London), Blumka Gallery (NY) and Kunsthandlung Julius Böhler (Starnberg,
Germany) – have joined forces to present a superb mini-exhibition at TEFAF New York Fall.
They will showcase a selection of outstanding works of art from the Middle Ages, Renaissance
and Baroque periods in the modern setting defined by TEFAF
Fair Designer Tom Postma to enhance the historic room where
the exhibition will be mounted. The bold backdrop of modern
architecture with see-through apertures of the period room will
create a unique platform to exhibit the works of art.
A special feature of this exhibition is the still life with artworks
made of silver, coconut, amber, filigree glass, and other
precious materials that will be displayed in central showcase,
thus evoking the atmosphere of princely Kunst- and
Wunderkammer – A Cabinet of Curiosities – from the 16th-
17th centuries. Georg Laue will also build a collector’s cabinet
(left) according to historical record (This arrangement is based
on a painting by the Hamburg artist Georg Hinz whose
Kunstkammer representations give an insight into the collecting
and display practises in the 17th century, when artworks of
precious materials such as silver, gold, amber or coral were
interacting with rare natural curiosities like shells or coconuts.
Exhibitor: Georg Laue
Madonna and Child with St John by Leonhard Kern, South
German, Forchtenberg, ca 1615, Alabaster, Height 31 cm,
width 25 cm.
The Madonna and Child relief is highly significant, as only few
works from Michael and Leonhard Kern are known from this early
period. Leonhard Kern would develop into one of the most
important German sculptors.
Exhibitor: Heribert Tenschert Antiquariat
Bibermuhle AG, Switzerland
An extraordinary illuminated manuscript on vellum
with 30 large drawings (better known as the Master of
the Brussels Initials, active in Paris around 1400) will
be exhibited for the first time in the United States at
TEFAF New York Fall.
The magnificent pictures, previously unknown
masterpieces by one of the Limbourg brothers,
surpass everything known about drawing in French
manuscripts of the 15th century. This is the first
chance for the US public to see these important
drawings by one of the Limbourg brothers who were also responsible for the Très Riches
Heures, the most beautiful and most famous Book of Hours of all time. In an astonishing way
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the rare and partly unique iconography and the compositions hark back to Neapolitan
illumination from the time of Robert d’Anjou and to Duccio’s Maestà of 1310 in Siena and
connect with chief works from Northern Italy. Left unfinished, they oscillate between preparatory
work and what the time around 1400 called “portrait d’encre”; at a certain point of finishing they
may have been intended to remain uncolored. This links them closely to the elaborate pen
drawing of St Jerome in his Study, frontispiece of the Bible moralisée, which was probably
begun by the Limbourg brothers for Philip the Bold of Burgundy before 1404.
Exhibitor: Daniel Katz, London
Cast from a model by Alessandro Algardi (Bologna
1598 – Rome 1654)
Saint Michael overcoming the devil
Rome, 17th century, Bronze. 53.5 cm.
London-based Daniel Katz has been dealing in Old
Master sculpture since 1968 and is renowned for
handling only the best. Blessed with a famously
discerning eye, he blends the passion of a collector with
the expertise of a connoisseur. He will bring a
spectacular selection of pieces to TEFAF New York Fall.
This dynamic bronze (shown left) represents Saint
Michael overcoming Satan, a popular subject during the
Counter-Reformation in Italy. After Bernini, Algardi was
the greatest sculptor of the Roman baroque. Multitalented,
he was also active as an architect and was an
accomplished draughtsman. Splendidly energetic, the present group is a faithful reduction of
the original composition. A slightly larger variant can be found in the Victoria and Albert
Museum, London.
Exhibitor: Hirschl & Adler, New York
Herter Brothers, New York (active 1864–1907)
Collector’s Cabinet
Rosewood, with mahogany, maple, oak, and
satinwood; copper, “yellow metal,”
silver, gold (plaques); gilt bronze, brass, mother-ofpearl,
and silk velvet; 64 1/4 in. high x 51 1/4 in. wide
x 18 1/2 in. deep
New York, 1879-80
This elaborate display cabinet showcases the Herter
Brothers’ unique ability to seamlessly blend different
aesthetics, influences, and exotic materials to achieve a
work of consummate quality and ultimate sophistication.
Displaying simultaneous interest in Oriental, Classical
and Continental forms and motifs, this cabinet is a visual
feast of delicately wrought detail. Inlays of mother-of-pearl and brass in complex and
mellifluous festoons, baskets of flowers, scrolls, and more, are layered over a program of
carved elements, adding to the sparkle of the decorative scheme, which is enlivened yet further
by four mixed metal Anglo-Japanesque plaques made for Herter by Tiffany & Co.
The cabinet being showcased at TEFAF New York Fall is particularly interesting as the Herter
Brothers originally designed the Park Avenue Armory’s Board of Officers Room, one of the
most historic rooms in America. The room, recently renovated with contemporary elements,
was likened to a “royal apartment” when it first opened to the public in 1880.
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Exhibitor: Siegelson, New York
Cartier, Art Deco “Le Ciel” Mystery Clock by Cartier,
Paris, 1928
A clock with a transparent blue night sky dial embellished
with rose-cut diamond comet hands and mother-of-pearl
and enamel hour markers in the form of stars and Roman
numerals, enclosed in a frame of black onyx and coral
resting on two antique carved jade fish enhanced by black
onyx detail, coral fins and tails, and cabochon moonstones;
set upon a carved rock crystal fountain against a black
obsidian base; concealing a divided axel movement with 13
jewel platform escapement; with French assay marks.
Signed on the base Cartier Paris Londres New York nos.
0763, 1387 and 3266, the movement no. 3266
Height: 81⁄2 inches
Cartier has created some of the most innovative and enduring designs of the twentieth century.
Combining daring design and superb craftsmanship, the mystery clock is to Cartier what the
gem-set enamel egg is to Fabergé. The secret of how the hands operated was a closely
guarded at the time. On seeing a clock in 1925, a reviewer for La Gazette du Bon Ton
described them as, “Marvels of the clockmaker’s art, unreal and seemingly woven from moon
beans, they veil the mystery of time.”
Created in 1928, Le Ciel was probably inspired by the Pons-Winnecke comet, which came
within 3.5 million miles of Earth on June 27, 1927. Diamond-set hands designed to resemble
shooting stars move across the face that depicts a night sky of scattered diamond stars. The
clock rests on the tails of two carved jade and coral carp and a rock crystal fountain flows atop
the timepiece’s obsidian base. This clock is a remarkable example of the small series produced
between 1922 and 1931 that incorporated re-mounted carvings from eighteenth- and
nineteenth-century China. Prior to the recent discovery of this piece, only twelve were known.
Le Ciel, with two carp supporting the dial with their tails, is the thirteenth clock. Le Ciel is an
exceptional example of Cartier’s mystery clocks and is a magnificent piece from the height of
Cartier’s clock making.
Exhibitor: Cahn International, Switzerland
An Applique in the Form of Victory.
Bronze, H 16.5 cm Roman, 2nd half of 1st-2nd cent.
A.D.
The goddess of victory with large wings is represented
hastening to right. The impression of dynamic movement
is heightened by the angle of her head and the fluttering
drapery. She wears a belted peplos fastened at her
shoulders with round clasp. The powerful wings are finely
incised. The iconography of this magnificent applique
suggests that it comes from a military context.
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Exhibitor: Röbbig München
St. John Nepomucene (St. John of Nepomuk)
Model by Gottlieb Kirchner (Merseburg 1706–1768
Dresden), 1731
Manufacture and decoration, Meissen, c. 1734
Crossed swords mark in cobalt blue on the unglazed
plinth. Height: 54 cm (21. in.)
This porcelain statue modelled by Kirchner was most
likely based on a sandstone sculpture in a church in
Prague, the city in which this saint was most widely
venerated. It was there that John Nepomucene died as a
martyr on March 23, 1339. After his death, he was
subsequently regarded as the “Bridge Saint” throughout
the Habsburg Empire and southern Germany. This
naturally led to innumerable depictions of the saint in art,
not only in paintings but also in the form of sculptures and
porcelain figures.
Exhibitor: Carlo Orsi/ Trinity Fine Art
Carlo Dolci (1616-Florence-1687),
Allegory of Patience , Oil on canvas, 71 x 54 cm.
Signed in monogram and dated lower left, on the
rock ‘A(nno) S(alutis) 1677 C(arlo) D(olci). Florence,
1677
It would seem probable that Dolci produced two paintings
of this subject, one of which remains lost. Baldassari
argues that this painting should be numbered amongst
Dolci’s most suggestive images, and that the air of
plaintive melancholy with which the subject is imbued can
be seen as an emblematic reflection of the artist’s own
character, ever inclined to a state of religious suffering.
Provenance: Probably commissioned directly from the
artist by Sir John Finch, Florence; By descent in the
Finch family, at Burley-on-the-Hill, until 1947; Major
James Hanbury, Burley-on-the-Hill, sale, Christie’s,
London, 20th June 1947, lot 20; Private collection, Sweden
Exhibitor: Burzio, Italy
Giovanni Galletti (Venaria Reale 1735 – Turin 1819)
A Unique Italian Neoclassical Marquetry Commode
A Toutes Faces created in 1788 by Giovanni Galletti for
the personal use of King Vittorio Amedeo III in Turin Royal
Palace.
Provenance: King Vittorio Amedeo III in Turin Royal
Palace French Private Collection
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Exhibitor: Alessandra Di Castro, Italy
Nicola (Niccolò) Morelli (Rome, 1779 – 1838)
A carved agate cameo with a right-facing profile portrait
of Napoleon I, Emperor of the French
Height 4.9 cm.
Signed below truncation: “MORELLI”
Rome, 1805–10
Morelli, one of the most illustrious engravers of semiprecious
stones working in Rome in the Neo-Classical era,
was the gemstone engraver of choice for every member of
the Bonaparte family residing in the city. He enjoyed, in
particular, the favor of Napoleon’s mother Letizia Ramolino Bonaparte, of her brother Cardinal
Fesch and of the entire family of the emperor’s brother Luciano Bonaparte.
Exhibitor: Åmells Konstandel, Stockholm and London,
founded in 1922, is one of the world’s leading dealers in
Scandinavian art ranging from 18th century to contemporary.
Shown left is an iconic early work by Carl Larsson
(Stockholm 1853 – Sudborn 1919) Reading lady / Interior
from Lilla Hyttnäs in Sundborn, Oil on panel, 45 x 54 cm,
signed and dated lower right C. Larsson 1885. This work
by Carl Larsson shows the interior of his home called Lilla
Hyttnäs, which was central and recurring, figure in his work.
Exhibitor: Wallace Chan, Hong Kong
Qianlong Period White Jade Dragon Belt Hook
Emerald, Yellow Diamond, Fancy Colored Diamond
Wallace Chan is an artisan jewelry designer who is worldrenowned
for his intricate and inventive gemstone creations.
In 2016, Wallace Chan became the first Chinese jewelry
artist invited to exhibit at TEFAF. He will introduce his work to
the American audience for the first time at TEFAF New York
Fall.
Exhibitor: Aardewerk Dutch Silver and Antique Jewellery,
The Netherlands,
A very rare Pair of Antique Japanese Lacquerware
Cutlery Boxes, with Antique Dutch Silver Cutlery, Boxes,
Japan c. 1750.
Forks and spoons: Amsterdam 1773, Valentijn Caspar
Beumke
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Knives: Utrecht 1797, Johannes de Brieder, and Zwolle 1812, Anthony de Vries
These elegant cutlery boxes, decorated with superb Japanese lacquerwork, are a fine example
of the Oriental style that became all the rage in the seventeenth century and reached its heights
in the eighteenth. The boxes are filled with a beautiful and rare set of twelve large and twelve
small spoons and forks, and the same number of large and small knives.
Exhibitor: Hemmerle, Munich
Hemmerle earrings crafted out of jade, diamonds, bronze
and white gold. 2016. Founded in 1883, Hemmerle is a fourth
generation family run house at the vanguard of jewelry design.
To learn more about TEFAF New York Fall, and to see the full exhibitor list, visit
www.tefaf.com.
The Opening Night