MAASTRICHT.- TEFAF Maastricht, renowned as one of the world's most prestigious art fairs, is set to host a fascinating collaboration between dealers Lucas Ratton and Oscar Graf. For this year's event, the two specialists are joining forces to present a unique dialogue between 19th-century European Decorative Arts and ancient African Art.


Explore the rich history of African art! Discover stunning sculptures, masks, and artifacts in these captivating books. Learn about the cultures and traditions that shaped these masterpieces.


Visitors to their shared space will encounter a carefully curated selection of objects, chosen for their formal beauty and surprising modernity. Imagine a Beembe fetish from the Republic of Congo conversing with a sleek silver-plated teapot designed by Christopher Dresser, or a Senoufo mask sharing its story alongside creations by French Japonist masters Édouard Lièvre and Émile Reiber. This "cabinet of high curiosity," envisioned by architect René Bouchara, promises to reveal these objects in a fresh light.

Both Lucas Ratton, whose family history is deeply intertwined with the early days of the African art market, and Oscar Graf, a specialist in late 19th-century European design, see this collaboration as a natural evolution of their practices. They aim to offer collectors a new experience, one that transcends traditional boundaries and celebrates the unexpected connections between different cultures and artistic expressions.

"The mix between our two worlds is absolutely unexpected," Ratton and Graf stated, "both in the dialogue of our specialties and in the degree of quality of each of our objects." They emphasize that the pieces selected are of exceptional rarity and quality, befitting the discerning audience of TEFAF Maastricht.

This collaboration also reflects a broader trend in the art world, where collectors are increasingly drawn to eclecticism and the interplay of different styles and periods. TEFAF Maastricht, with its emphasis on excellence and cross-collecting, provides the perfect stage for this innovative approach. Both dealers credit the fair with playing a significant role in their professional development and international recognition.

Among the highlights of their presentation are:

• A Beembe statuette: This exceptional piece, once part of the collections of prominent figures like Saul and Marsha Stanoff and Daniel Hourdé, embodies the spiritual and artistic traditions of the Beembe people.

• A teapot by Christopher Dresser: This strikingly modern design, created in 1878, showcases Dresser's pioneering vision and his fascination with Japanese aesthetics.

By bringing together these seemingly disparate worlds, Lucas Ratton and Oscar Graf hope to create a lasting impression on visitors, sparking new conversations and inspiring a deeper appreciation for the beauty and interconnectedness of art across cultures and time.


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