The world's top fair will run from March 13 to 22 at the Maastricht Exhibition and Congress Centre.
In this context, next March sees the introduction of the TEFAF design section showcasing ten leading dealers in an increasingly important field. They include Philippe Denys from Brussels and Frans Leidelmeijer of Amsterdam.
Ben Janssens, the London Oriental art dealer who chairs TEFAF's executive committee, said: "If we identify certain trends in the market then we should try and go with them, and 20th century and contemporary design is an area where we need to strengthen the fair."
The latest in a series of major reports on the art market prepared for TEFAF will examine the changing structure of the global market for fine and decorative art. Like this year's report, it is prepared by Dr Clare McAndrew, a cultural economist specialising in the art market.
Globalisation and the Art Market will contain in-depth analysis of the newest and most dynamic market centres, including China, India, Russia and the Middle East.
With the report due to be completed in January, Dr McAndrew is sure to be making some drastic last-minute revisions as the global art market, especially in the emerging areas, has just been turned on its head.
But whatever the vagaries of the market, looking at some of the highlights of the fair, there is no doubt the exhibitors will again bring some of the finest stock on the market to TEFAF.
Among the outstanding items are Black Stallion and His Groom, painted in the early 17th century by Dutch artist Roelandt Savery, €600,000 from De Jonckheere of Paris; a 16th century illuminated manuscript Vita Cristi, €2.4m from Dr Jörn Günther Antiquariat from Hamburg and an 18th century Meissen porcelain figure by Kändler, €40,000 from New York's Michele Beiny.
By David Moss
