Now, imagine a place where art is found in every corner, and where—without doubt—sensitive souls will be rewarded. We are talking about TEFAF, the world’s most famous art, and antiques fair, held annually in the Dutch city of Maastricht. This year the event is scheduled for March 11th to the 20th.

This event is a mandatory stop in the calendar of collectors, curators, museum directors, and other art professionals. Furthermore, it is a meeting place for those of us who love unique and valuable artworks. There are thousands of reasons to visit this Northern European art fair.

275 of the leading international galleries will present the best artworks currently on the market. Visitors can buy works of classical and contemporary art, photographs, jewelry, 20th-century designs and a long list of genuine whims. And if you are interested, there will also be a vast selection of printed material available.

More than 20 countries will participate in this international fair, so if you are looking for something specific, you can be sure to find it there. The organizers have brought no less than 175 experts from around the world— specialists in over twenty categories—to carefully examine the condition, quality and authenticity of every piece. Each object or painting has a unique seal of guarantee.

“Each year, the TEFAF Showcase introduces new exceptionally talented salespeople, and it is very gratifying to see that the retailers participating in the Showcase become long-term participants in subsequent editions,” says Ben Janssens, a member of the executive committee.

André Masson (Balagny-sur-Thérain 1896-1987 Paris) Portrait de Rose

This statement is good news in two ways, as it represents visibility for new gallerists, but also informs buyers and prospective clients on where to focus their attention and what trends and markets they need to follow.

The galleries selected this year specialize in different disciplines such as tribal art, decorative art and design between 1870 and 1910, art nouveau, art deco, bronzes from the Renaissance and the Baroque, as well as paintings ranging from the 16th to the 20th century. No art lover can remain indifferent before such possibilities.

Organized by the European Foundation for Fine Arts, TEFAF has consolidated its nearly 30 years of history as the most prestigious art and antiques fair, both for the number of select works on view, as well as the large number of public and private collectors involved in it. Their goal is a strong commitment to excellence, experience, and elegance, and these three conditions are more than enough reasons not to miss the event.

Théodore Géricault (Rouen 1791-1824 Paris) Portrait of a young man with an open collar

The Stendhal Syndrome argues that art affects— physically—certain people exposed to it, especially if they works are very beautiful. At this point, you will want to experience all these physical and aesthetic sensations in Maastricht, so we recommend you visit the TEFAF website to purchase your tickets.

The fair will be presented at the Exhibition and Congress Centre (MECC) from March 11th to the 20th. If your schedule does not allow you to come to Maastricht on those dates, the organization has just announced two upcoming trade shows in New York, planned for autumn 2016 and spring 2017. ■