The 20th Paris Biennale of antique dealers will take place between September 15th and October 1st 2000. In view of the growing international competition and the development of art sales on the Internet French dealers have had to adapt to a new situation though they believe the Web phenomenon will not change the habits of most buyers for the simple reason that beyond the $ 5000 range people want to touch what they would be inclined to acquire.
The Biennale has often acted as a springboard for young dealers though the Carrousel du Louvre compound with it low ceilings and restricted space has not been really suitable for both professionals and buyers.
There will be 22 newcomers at the Biennale this year with a reinforced U.S presence but observers wonder whether such event has the means to challenge the Maastricht Fair, which met tremendous success last March.
Organisers said that Derek Johns, a dealer specialising in old masters, John Mitchell and Sons (old masters, 19th century and modern paintings) and Sam Fogg (miniatures, rare books, Middle Age and Far-Eastern works) from Britain and the Berry-Hill galleries from the U.S were among new exhibitors alongside a string of French Galleries.
116 French and foreign dealers and galleries representing ten countries will take part in the Biennale which is expected to attract over 90,000 visitors. As usual, there will be a majority of 18th century furniture though there have been an increased number of modern works shown during the two previous editions.
Ceramics and porcelains will also be well represented as well as carpets and tapestries, antique weapons, books and jewels.
Organisers have chosen a red and purple decor for the «Europa» section, white and beige colours for the «America» corner, tobacco tones for the «America Latina» compound while the «Asia» and «Africa» sections will be respectively decorated in green and brown. Each section will be decorated with symbolic themes such as tiger hunters for «Asia», an elephant and palm trees for «Africa» or Indians and alligators from the bayous for «America».
The decor of the Biennale has been signed by Christophe Decarpentrie, a quite inventive Belgian decorator.
Other US exhibitors are the Ariadne Galleries specialising in archaeological pieces and Bob Haboldt from New York.
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