The Aesthetics Extravaganza in Maastricht

TEFAF in Maastricht is a magnificent display of cultural and historical artistry running until March 14. Notable works on display include Vincent van Gogh’s “Tete de paysanne a la coiffe blanche” and Wassily Kandinsky’s “Murnau mit Kirche II”. These two paintings, along with other exceptional pieces, offer potential buyers an opportunity to own a piece of artistic legacy.

The Aesthetics Extravaganza in Maastricht

TEFAF, the European Art Fair in Maastricht, offers a magnificent display of cultural and historical artistry. Running until March 14, TEFAF features notable works, including Vincent van Gogh’s “Tete de paysanne a la coiffe blanche” and Wassily Kandinsky’s “Murnau mit Kirche II”. These two paintings, alongside other exceptional pieces, exemplify the creativity and brilliance of celebrated artists, enticing potential buyers with an opportunity to own a piece of artistic legacy.

In the vibrant heart of Maastricht, a city teeming with life in the southern corners of the Netherlands, a grand spectacle of artistic brilliance is about to take place. The European Art Fair, more commonly known as TEFAF, draws art lovers and admirers from every corner of the globe, intrigueing them with an impressive array of artistic splendour. Spanning from this weekend up until March 14, the event will display a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and pieces of jewellery, creating a magnificent cultural and historical exhibition.

The Highlighted Masterpieces

Within the abundance of art on display, two paintings engender particular fascination. These are none other than Vincent van Gogh’s “Tete de paysanne a la coiffe blanche” and Wassily Kandinsky’s “Murnau mit Kirche II”. These artworks exemplify the innovative brilliance of these two undisputed masters. These notable pieces command attention amidst an array of other exceptional works from celebrated artists such as Manet, Rubens, and Rodin.

Van Gogh’s early masterpiece, alternatively known as “Head of an Old Peasant Woman with a White Cap”, was completed in 1884. Its inclusion in the fair is granted by M.S. Rau, an esteemed gallery residing in New Orleans, well-regarded across the United States. The painting came into being during Van Gogh’s sojourn with his parents in the southern Dutch town of Nuenen, a year before the birth of his other famed work, “The Potato Eaters”. Rebecca Rau, the gallery’s vice president of acquisitions, has shown unwavering confidence in the painting’s potential to attract considerable interest, attributing it to Van Gogh’s enduring appeal. Aspiring owners can start their bidding for the painting, which carries a price tag of $4.9 million.

The Journey of the Artworks

In contrast, Kandinsky’s “Murnau with Church 2” came into existence in 1910. It depicts a bright image of the German village of Murnau, with the church spire dominating the scene reminiscent of the towering Bavarian Alps. This painting, hinting at abstraction, marks a significant point in Kandinsky’s artistic evolution. Initially, it adorned the dining room of Johanna Margarethe Stern and Siegbert Stern, founders of a textile company and notable figures in the cultural milieu of 1920s Berlin, where they mingled with the likes of Thomas Mann, Franz Kafka, and Albert Einstein. The artwork, which had been housed in a museum in the Dutch city of Eindhoven since 1951, was only identified a decade ago. In 2022, it was returned to the descendants of the Sterns. It was subsequently snapped up from Sotheby’s auction by art dealer Robert Landau, making it the most expensive Kandinsky ever sold. The quoted price at TEFAF, however, remains a secret.

The Artistic Narrative and Potential Ownership

The art fair weaves a captivating spell on art aficionados, providing an opportunity to participate in a grand artistic saga that melds history, culture, and exceptional creativity. The masterpieces by Van Gogh and Kandinsky, in particular, offer potential buyers an irresistible chance to possess a slice of artistic legacy. However, acquiring these works could potentially deprive the general public of appreciating these masterpieces, should they find home in private collections. Despite this, Rebecca Rau holds an optimistic view, observing that many such masterpieces ultimately land in museums, enabling art enthusiasts to revel in their magnificence.

1. What is TEFAF in Maastricht?

TEFAF in Maastricht is a European Art Fair that showcases a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and pieces of jewellery, creating a magnificent cultural and historical exhibition.

2. When is TEFAF in Maastricht taking place?

TEFAF in Maastricht started on a weekend and will run until March 14.

3. What are some notable works on display at TEFAF in Maastricht?

Vincent van Gogh’s “Tete de paysanne a la coiffe blanche” and Wassily Kandinsky’s “Murnau mit Kirche II” are notable works on display at TEFAF in Maastricht.

4. What is the history behind “Tete de paysanne a la coiffe blanche” by Vincent Van Gogh?

“Head of an Old Peasant Woman with a White Cap” was completed in 1884 and came into being during Van Gogh’s stay with his parents in the southern Dutch town of Nuenen.

5. What is the history behind “Murnau mit Kirche II” by Wassily Kandinsky?

“Murnau with Church 2” depicts a bright image of the German village of Murnau, with the church spire dominating the scene reminiscent of the towering Bavarian Alps. The painting was initially owned by Johanna Margarethe Stern and Siegbert Stern, founders of a textile company and notable figures in the cultural milieu of 1920s Berlin.

6. Is there an opportunity to own the works displayed at TEFAF in Maastricht?

Yes, there is an opportunity to own the works displayed at TEFAF in Maastricht, including Van Gogh’s “Tete de paysanne a la coiffe blanche” and Wassily Kandinsky’s “Murnau mit Kirche II”. However, acquiring these works could potentially deprive the general public of appreciating these masterpieces if they end up in private collections.