KNOKKE-HEIST, BELGIUM.-From 9 till 17 August, you will be spoilt at the CC Scharpoord in Knokke-Heist with 33rd edition of Art Nocturne Knocke and the 15th Sculpture Link Knokke. The name Art Nocturne Knocke refers to the opening times of the Art and Antique Fair, which opens daily from 4pm till 10pm. That formula has clearly proven its success over recent years, and meets the wish of many art and antique lovers. This way, they can fully enjoy the pleasures of the Coast, while sampling what the fair has on offer in the evenings in a relaxed atmosphere.

With over ten thousand acquisitive art lovers over recent years, Art Nocturne Knocke has grown into the most important international summer art and antique fair in Europe. The fair also takes place in an economically successful region with a wealthy audience, which is hugely appreciated by the dealers. Also the never-ending attention given to the latest developments on the international art and antique market by the dealers, as well as by the organisational team Art Promotion Tuteleers & Tuteleers adds to the success of Art Nocturne Knocke. Add the numerous returning colleagues who, together with the newly selected, every year assure a collection of original objects that never cease to please the art and antique lovers.

For example, the new acquisitions include BoutetParis from Knokke, which is specialised in antique luxury weapons with masterpieces by Nicolas No�l Boutet (1761-1833). A number of beautiful pistols that where given to Selim III, the Ottoman Sultan, by Napoleon Bonaparte immediately catch our attention. Anthony Short, who is also from Knokke with a branch in England, pays tribute to English furniture from the 17th, 18th and 19th century. Benoot Gallery from Ostend not only brings us modern and contemporary art, but also surprises with beautiful design by Zaha Hadid. Claire Moens from Waasmunster brings her contemporary jewellery creations. She told us: “I try to design a jewel around a precious stone, so the stone becomes like the soul of the jewel.” Douwes Fine Arts Amsterdam (since 1805!), apart from a unique collection of Rembrandt drawings, also brings a stunning collection of impressionist paintings by Russian masters.

On the other hand, Gnaccarini Galleria D’ Arte from Bologna offers refreshing southern art with i.e. beautiful ceramic sculptures by Luigi Gatti.

Wim de Boer from Alkmaar presents himself in the auditorium of CC Scharpoord with an impressive line-up of 20th century paintings from the Lowlands.

Vazquez Art from Blaricum offers the well-known Marianne Houtkamp, but even more so, the beautiful sculptures by Lorenzo Quin (the son of) that are for the first time in Belgium will please many.

At Van Loon & Simons from Vught, especially glass art stands out. The fair’s line-up is looking ever more beautiful.

Michael Nolte from Munster, who you certainly know from TEFAF Maastricht, introduces for the first time in Belgium a unique collection of avant-garde paintings from Russia, which seems to come straight out of the museums.