Cahn’s Quarterly 2/2020 English Edition
Editorial Dear readers These are indeed strange times. In March we were suddenly reminded of how much nature can challenge us with the sudden outbreak of new diseases. Our entire economic system, which is so finely balanced, was profoundly shaken by the abrupt halt caused by the lockdown. We had just completed the painstaking preparations for TEFAF Maastricht and were on our way to Holland when it became clear how threatening the situation in Europe had become. During the build-up of the fair, the organizers of TEFAF had several daily on-site consultations with the Dutch health authorities. It was unclear whether the fair would open at all, so we made short films during the build-up to document our booth. These films were uploaded on our YouTube channel on the day of the private preview so that we could welcome you to the fair without you having to travel to Maastricht. The numerous positive responses that we received encouraged us to continue sending you short videos from the gallery in Basel after the fair had shut its doors. Visit our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm2L VUp9aOQvEqPwfPGqL9A? I was glad that TEFAF Maastricht took place, but I was also not unhappy that the fair closed four days early, not least because shortly afterwards it became clear to me from my own experience how severe the disease caused by the coronavirus can be. Fortunately, I was the only one in my company to fall ill. On the whole, Switzerland
Screenshot from the video “David, Ulrike, and Lily discuss an important Late Roman bronze Chlamydatus”
and its neighbouring countries have managed to contain the spread of the disease, albeit at an enormous cost. It goes without saying that the art market, too, has experienced drastic changes. In the context of the current economic crisis, we have reduced gallery operations and you will find that this edition of Cahn’s Quarterly has been shortened somewhat. Nevertheless, the art trade is by no means dead, inexistent or in a state of hibernation. Although, for the time being, art fairs have been cancelled, they are most definitely not a model of the past. It remains important that collectors and dealers can meet to exchange information and ideas about the objects offered for sale. Therefore, we plan to resume our participation in art fairs once unhindered travel is possible again. In the meantime, we shall endeavour to reach out
Our Online Auctions with Ancient Art
Wertewandel
As of this summer we will stage an online auction every one or two months using the platform LiveAuctioneers. Two weeks to the auction you will reVon Marc prior Fehlmann ceive a link by e-mail which will enable you to view the catalogue and to place written bids. Furthermore, you will also be able to bid live online during the auction itself.
CQ
Exclusively for you, we are also offering digital private previews via Zoom or WhatsApp. Please do not hesitate to contact us to schedule such an online meeting or if you have any other questions: auctions@cahn.ch
to you in other, innovative ways. As already mentioned, our mail messages and videos have been positively welcomed. If you have not received them, please let us know your email address. We have also expanded our offering with online auctions of inexpensive objects (further information in the box below). Thus you can participate in the auctions from the comfort of your home. If you have any questions, you can of course contact us by email. We wish you all the best and good health in these extraordinary times and look forward to welcoming you again personally very soon.
Imprint Publisher Jean-David Cahn Malzgasse 23 CH-4052 Basel www.cahn.ch ISSN 2624-6368 Editors Jean-David Cahn Yvonne Yiu Authors Jean-David Cahn Martin Flashar Ulrike Haase
Horst Hammen Gerburg Ludwig Photos Robert Bayer Niklaus Bürgin Ulrike Haase Design and Layout Michael Joos Printer Rösch Printservice GmbH
1