Boasting record attendance with nearly 67,000 visitors gracing the halls of Brussels Expo over eight days, BRAFA 2024 proved to be a triumphant gathering of art aficionados.
Celebrated as the inaugural event of the artistic calendar, BRAFA captured the hearts of attendees with its exquisite array of offerings showcased by 132 galleries. The fair garnered unanimous praise for not only the exceptional quality of exhibited objects but also for the enchanting surrealist ambiance that enveloped the venue, adding an extra layer of magic to the experience.
A Showcase of Magnificence
The 69th edition of BRAFA witnessed a flurry of notable transactions, underscoring its stature as a premier destination for art connoisseurs and collectors alike. Dei Bardi Art from Brussels, specializing in medieval and Renaissance sculptures and objects, saw the acquisition of a small medieval stained-glass window by the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. Galerie Florence de Voldère of Paris fetched approximately 150,000 euros for Martin van Cleve’s “Une Kermesse,” while Floris van Wanroij Fine Art of Dommelen secured a sale for Jan Griffier’s mesmerizing painting depicting a church interior from 1673. Notably, Art et Patrimoine – Laurence Lenne (Ath) facilitated the acquisition of a porcelain tableau of a harbor view, a masterpiece from the Tournai factory, by the King Baudouin Foundation, earmarked for display at the Musée Royal de Mariemont.
Unveiling Hidden Treasures
Zebregs&Röell Fine Art and Antiques, debuting at BRAFA, captivated attendees with a splendid array of works, including Meissen porcelain sculptures commissioned by the Russian Empress Elisabeth Petrovna. Galerie Bernard De Leye from Brussels mesmerized visitors with its collection of Spanish liturgical silverware, while d’Arschot & Cie achieved significant sales, including a Namur silver coffee pot and a Nuremberg silver covered goblet attributed to Marx Burmeister.
Journey Through Time and Culture
BRAFA served as a captivating journey through diverse artistic epochs and cultures. From Galerie Sofie Van de Velde’s dialogue between contemporary and modern art to Segoura Fine Art’s symbolist work by Georges Jules Victor Clairin, the fair offered a tapestry of artistic expressions. Noteworthy sales included works by Robert Mangold, Tony Cragg, and Sean Landers, reflecting the enduring appeal of twentieth-century masterpieces.
As BRAFA bids adieu to another successful edition, anticipation mounts for its 70th anniversary in 2025. Save the dates – from January 26th to February 2nd, 2025, to experience the splendor of BRAFA at Brussels Expo. www.brafa.art