The 2009 International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show opens today welcoming five new exhibitors to its superb line-up for 2009: Ariadne Galleries (New York) specialist in classical antiquities; Galerie Lefebvre (Paris) specialist in 20th century decorative works of art; Galerie Bernard Steinitz (Paris) specialist in European antiques, 17th-19th century furniture and decorations; Bernd Goeckler Antiques (New York), specialist in Continental furniture, fine art and objects from 1920-1970; Erik Thomsen LLC Asian Art (New York), expert in Japanese art including ceramics, paintings, screens and vessels.

Since its launch in 1989 the fair is known for bringing together museum-quality works. Art, furniture, paintings, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, glass, clocks, watches, arms, armour, rare books, manuscripts, jewelry, objets de vertu, Fabergé, silver, antiquities and ethnographic art are among the many different categories included and for sale. Prices start from as little as a few hundred dollars but rise into the millions.

The International was the first fair in the United States to introduce vetting; a stringent set of guidelines designed to maintain the highest standards of quality and authenticity in the works of art on view and for sale. The great value of vetting at art and antiques fairs lies in the safeguards and reassurance it offers to buyers. The vetting committees combine both academic and commercial expertise in their membership, including museum personnel as well as other eminent specialists.

Optimism and confidence prevails among the exhibitors despite global economic concerns. “Quality sells,” said Brian Haughton, who organizes the fair with his wife Anna and exhibits as well.