The 33rd Florence International Biennial of Antiques (BIAF) is set to transform the historic Palazzo Corsini into a luxurious marketplace of museum-quality art from September 28 to October 6, 2024. This year’s edition marks a significant expansion with 80 galleries participating, including 14 new prestigious international exhibitors, cementing its position as one of the world’s premier art events.
Star-Studded Affair Merges Art, Fashion, and Philanthropy
The Biennale kicks off with an exclusive gala dinner for 780 global VIPs, orchestrated by Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura. Gucci’s sponsorship underscores the event’s fusion of high art and haute couture. A highlight of the opening festivities is a charity auction featuring world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli in the magnificent Salone dei Cinquecento at Palazzo Vecchio.
“This edition promises to be one of the finest under my management,” says Fabrizio Moretti, Secretary General of BIAF. “We have the world’s best dealers bringing their masterpieces to Palazzo Corsini, effectively creating a museum for sale.”
Blue-Chip Galleries Showcase Rare Treasures
The exhibitor list reads like a who’s who of the art world:
- Colnaghi: Founded in the 18th century
- Agnews: A London stalwart since 1817
- Enrico Frascione: A family dynasty in antique paintings since the late 1800s
- Dickinson: Known for discovering works by Botticelli, Titian, and Rubens
Investment-Grade Masterpieces on Display
Notable works include:
- A Titian Madonna and Child with St. Mary Magdalene (c. 1555-1560) at Carlo Orsi’s stand, authenticated by renowned expert Federico Zeri
- Michelangelo’s Study of Jupiter from Dickinson Gallery
- A Bronzino Madonna and Child presented by Maurizio Canesso
- A recently discovered Portrait of Grand Duchess Vittoria Della Rovere by Camilla Guerrieri (1628-1690)
Modern Masters Join Old World Treasures
The Biennale isn’t limited to antiquities. Twentieth-century highlights include:
- Le Corbusier works from Tornabuoni Arte
- A 1950 “Nocturne” by Alberto Savinio from Sperone Westwater
- Giorgio de Chirico’s 1933 “The Daughters of Minos” from Farsetti
Market Impact and Investment Potential
With most participating galleries boasting 30-50 years of market expertise, the Biennale represents a unique opportunity for serious collectors and investors. These galleries have shaped international collecting trends and have placed works in the world’s leading museums.
Each piece exhibited undergoes rigorous authentication, restoration, and research, ensuring maximum value and investment potential. As Mayor Sara Funaro notes, the Biennale remains “a fundamental reference point for international collecting.”
Photo via BIAF