Lisbon art fair opens with sales already completed

Lisbon’s LAAF — Lisbon Art & Antiques Fair — opens to the public on Saturday at the Cordoaria Nacional, bringing together 39 exhibitors and more than 5,000 pieces in an event that organisers say is both a commercial marketplace and a broader cultural showcase. For international readers, the fair offers a snapshot of Portugal’s art, antiques and luxury segments, with some sales already agreed before the official opening.

The 23rd edition of the fair runs until May 17 and covers 2,000 square metres. Tomás Branquinho da Fonseca, an antiques dealer, board member of the Portuguese Association of Antiquarians and part of the organising committee, told ECOnews that the association is investing about €300,000 in the event. He said the fair is “an important moment of the year” for exhibitors. One dealer, Miguel Arruda, said two large 19th-century marble lion sculptures had already been sold ahead of the opening.

This year’s edition includes two first-time institutional participants: the National Palace of Ajuda, showing a tapestry and a throne, and the Chiado Museum, with a group of contemporary art pieces. New exhibitors also include gallery Arte em Ação, with works by Vieira da Silva and Manuel Cargaleiro, and jeweller Rosior, which is presenting 60 pieces from its annual production of 130 unique high-jewellery items.

Among the works highlighted by organisers are the only Paula Rego piece at this year’s fair, Ilha do Tesouro from 1972, a rare royal gold cutlery set from the reign of King João V presented by Galeria São Roque, and a 14th-century cross brought by dealer Luís Alegria. All items shown at the fair were reviewed this week by a 15-member expert committee, which organisers say certifies that the descriptions and attribution of the objects match what is being exhibited.

Originally published at Eco.pt