A rare early painting by Vincent van Gogh, known as Head of a Peasant Woman in a White Headdress (Tete de paysanne à la coiffe blanch), has been sold for several million euros at an art fair in the Netherlands.
The sale took place at the annual European Art Fair (Tefaf) in Maastricht, where the painting was listed with an asking price of €4.5 million ($4.9 million).
Bill Rau, president of MS Rau Gallery, confirmed the sale to a museum. He said “It has been sold to a museum outside the European Union.
“We cannot discuss the price,” he said reflecting the gallery's commitment to privacy and discretion in such high-profile transactions.
The painting, which dates back to around 1884, represents a pivotal moment in Van Gogh's career when he lived in Nuenen, a year before he completed The Potato Eaters.
The acquisition by a private museum, which will ensure public access to the artwork, highlights the continued appeal and value of historical pieces in the art world.
The Dutch national news agency ANP said: “Although the name of the private museum was not given, 'it will be accessible to the public',” ensuring that this masterpiece will be enjoyed by future generations.
Tefaf, known for its eclectic collection ranging from Old Masters to modern furniture, has once again demonstrated the art market's resilience.
Hidde van Seggelen, Tefaf's executive board chairman, highlighted the fair's wide-ranging appeal. He said: “What is special about Tefaf is that we cover almost 7,000 years of art history, 7,000 years of human creation. Whether these are living or dead, artists or artisans.”
The Rijksmuseum's acquisition of a painting by Gesina ter Borch at the fair further exemplifies the significant interest and investment in historical art by both private and institutional collectors.
The fair not only showcases a wide range of art but also implements strict vetting procedures to ensure the authenticity and provenance of the works, offering certainty to buyers in a fluctuating global market.
The art market's strength is evident in the high-profile sales and the wide array of artworks attracting interest from around the world.
The successful sale of Van Gogh's work at Tefaf Maastricht serves as a testament to the enduring value and appeal of art as both an asset and a source of inspiration, transcending the immediate challenges of the times.
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Where to donate in the UAE
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
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PROFILE OF SWVL
Started: April 2017
Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport
Size: 450 employees
Investment: approximately $80 million
Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani
