Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

TEFAF Struggles with the Implications of Vetting

March 9, 2017 by Marion Maneker

Maastricht 8 maart 2016 TEFAF 2016 - Keuring kunstwerken Tefaf - Demonstratie van technieken die worden gebruikt bij vetting, het doorlichten, van de kunstwerken die worden aangeboden voor de Tefaf. Op de foto restaurator Robert van Langh - met baard - tijdens x-ray rontgenopname van een jezus-beeld voor de keuring. Photo: Harry Heuts

A Dutch news outlet confronts the change of play in the Old Masters market since the discovery of several exceptionally good forgeries that are roiling the private market. The unexpected twist is that Sotheby’s has stolen a march on the market and now threatens to overshadow the trust in dealers:

“Collectors are being given the impression that it’s safer to buy art at an auction house than at a fair: at least an auction house will pay compensation if it’s a forgery,” says one insider.

Today’s opening of TEFAF in Maastricht, the world’s leading Old Master fair, puts this in sharp relief. It also raises the issue of TEFAF’s vetting and whether the fair’s vetting protects buyers:

Could a number of old masters, bought by French collector Giuliano Ruffini and recently exposed as modern forgeries, have slipped through the screening at Tefaf Maastricht, the most prestigious art fair in the world? Henk van Os, the chairman of the Tefaf vetting committee ponders for a few moments. “Yes, I think they could,” he says finally. The former director of the Rijksmuseum is not the only one who thinks so. Long-time Tefaf dealers like Bob Haboldt and Niels de Boer agree. Haboldt: “Forgeries have got through in the past.” De Boer: “These are the best forgeries ever, shockingly good.” […]

As chairman of the Tefaf vetting committee Henk van Os’s role is limited: he is the referee but the board makes the rules. He has his doubts about the rule which states dealers can only be banned if they have sold forgeries at Tefaf itself. He will, he says, bring this up with the board.

Four Tefaf art dealers in disrepute due to potential forgeries (NRC)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • When $40m Is Not a Lot of MoneyWhen $40m Is Not a Lot of Money
  • TEFAF Follow On SalesTEFAF Follow On Sales
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi Announces Acquisition of £9.48m Rembrandt StudyLouvre Abu Dhabi Announces Acquisition of £9.48m Rembrandt Study
  • Christie’s Has Richard Feigen Collection in MayChristie’s Has Richard Feigen Collection in May
  • Christie’s Sells £11.4m Leyden Drawing to Benefit Rugby SchoolChristie’s Sells £11.4m Leyden Drawing to Benefit Rugby School
  • Getty Buys Previously Unknown Quentin Metsys PaintingGetty Buys Previously Unknown Quentin Metsys Painting

Filed Under: Art Fairs, General Tagged With: Old Master, TEFAF

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor
 

Loading Comments...