The 40th edition of Antiquaria Padova will take place from November 9 to 17, 2024, in Padua’s exhibition district. During this time, Padua transforms into a temple of art and history with the much-anticipated Antique Fair. Those seeking high-end antique items and arriving in Padua for significant purchases won’t be disappointed: collectors will find the finest offerings from the Italian market, with over 300 carefully selected exhibitors presenting unique and valuable pieces, perfect for enriching private collections or simply for art enthusiasts. Antiquaria Padova promises to be an unforgettable immersion into the allure of the past.
The world of antiques is a fascinating realm that weaves together history, culture, and craftsmanship. Unlike mass-produced items, an antique piece is one-of-a-kind, carrying traces of time, signs of wear, and artisanal details that make it unique. The charm of antiques also lies in the search itself, which often requires patience, knowledge, and a discerning eye to recognize authenticity and value.
An item is considered an antique when it is at least 100 years old. This criterion is generally accepted internationally and is used by collectors, markets, and industry fairs alike.
However, beyond dating, for an object to be classified as an antique, it is also evaluated for its artistic, historical, and cultural value. In short, to define an antique, age alone isn’t sufficient; its quality, craftsmanship, and ability to represent the era in which it was created are also essential.
In this regard, the AbanoRitz serves as a point of reference for exhibitors and visitors alike due to both its proximity to the fair and its appreciation for antique art. Upon entering the AbanoRitz, guests are welcomed by a spacious yet intimate, bright yet warm hall that instantly envelops them in a sense of well-being. The exterior showcases late-1960s architecture in warm beige and brown tones, housing elegant, spacious interiors furnished with prestigious antique pieces such as the bronze statues The Wrestlers by Augusto Rivalta (1837–1925):
an 1800s notary’s bookcase and an octagonal baptismal font from the late 18th century:
a Flemish still life from the late 1600s, 18th-century gold-leaf friezes, a Louis XVI mirror (circa 1770), a plate rack with a collection of English porcelain from the second half of the 19th century, and a chandelier with 200 hand-blown Venetian glass “handkerchiefs” by Venini from the 20th century:
stained glass windows from the late 17th century depicting various trades, 18th-century lacquered coffered ceilings, a Carrara marble fireplace from the Empire period (1820), with a gilded mirror using the “gold in a cup” technique:
Ca’ Rezzonico chandelier, a multicolored blown glass piece from the 1700s, Venetian Moor figures in polychrome and silver leaf from the early 1900s:
finally, two Steinway pianos are used for grand concerts in the Hall of Mirrors:
