FAB Paris warms up

The relief is real. There had indeed been some concern ahead of this new edition of Fine Arts la Biennale — now referred to as FAB — following last year’s frigid and lacklustre edition. Was the more convivial date perhaps a little too early in the season? Would there be enough dealers and top-level works on offer? Would buyers be in attendance, given the challenging economic climate?
Although it is undoubtedly too early for a proper assessment, the early days of the fair have proven the doomsayers wrong. The atmosphere on the opening day was excellent — and not just because the temperature was far more pleasant than last December. The crowds were there, many sales were concluded and, above all, there were high-quality works — no doubt explaining the rest. The only downside: the fair is too short, and one must hurry to enjoy it — by Thursday, it will be too late.

1. View of part of Galerie Vallois’s stand at FAB Paris
Photo: Alexandre Lafore

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One of the pleasures of this type of event is discovering unknown — sometimes surprising — works, and even occasionally seeing again objects already displayed at previous fairs (some already seen at Tefaf, for instance), which we had not previously mentioned and now give us a chance to remedy that omission. We cannot illustrate everything, of course, and will also highlight some stands worth visiting without focusing on specific pieces — such as Galerie Vallois (ill. 1), where nothing is for sale but everything is exceptional, the gallery presenting, like a museum, works from private collections.

2. François-Antoine Mondon (1732–1809)
Veneered and marquetry commode adorned with Greek-style gilt bronzes, c. 1770
Veneer and marquetry in rosewood, amaranth, maple and sycamore; chiselled, openwork and gilt bronze; associated brèche d’Alep marble – 88 × 128 × 66 cm
Galerie Léage
Photo: Galerie Léage

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3. France, 18th century…