The 2025 edition of TEFAF Maastricht has opened with 277 dealers from 24 countries, showcasing 7,000 years of art history despite significant geopolitical instability in the Middle East. While the fair remains a premier destination for Old Masters and high-end antiques, exhibitors are navigating logistical hurdles caused by regional conflicts and airport closures in major transit hubs like Dubai.
This year's fair serves as a litmus test for the art market's resilience during periods of global unrest. While some dealers express concern over the absence of Middle Eastern collectors and museum delegations, others report a sustained appetite for blue-chip works, including a multi-million dollar Modigliani and rare Degas prints, suggesting that the top tier of the market remains insulated from external political shocks.