Artworks on sale at Maastricht's TEFAF art fair

Once a year, the conference center in the city of Maastricht in the Netherlands is transformed into a treasure trove of valuable art for the TEFAF. Will the run to snatch up valuable items on offer occur with the same intensity as the "Battle of the Hebrews Against the Amalekites," painted by Antonio Tempesta in the 17th century?

Jacob van Ruisdael is the original painter of this "Winter Landscape with a View of the City," but it remains unclear whether he actually put the city of Doesburg on the canvas. Instead, it could have been Maastricht, where 30 years ago, dealers of paintings by Old Masters started the TEFAF. Today, it's the world's leading art and antiques fair.

Far away from any big city, the TEFAF has had success in the small town of Maastricht, thanks to its international focus. The rich and beautiful fly in on private jets while gallery stands see the exchange of billions in sales of paintings, such as "Natura Morta" by Italian Giorgio Morandi.

This expensive piece from Egypt in the 1800s depicts an Egyptian funeral party being transported by river to a funeral site. The piece will be on offer at this year's TEFAF and is sure to cost quite a bit.

Gold, diamonds, onyx and emerald - no expense was spared when selecting materials for this ring. Made in Paris in 1990, the ring takes the form of two tigers and was made by jeweler Cartier. The price is available on request only. Worldwide, the art market is valued at around 42 billion euros ($44.5 billion), according to TEFAF.

Since discretion is everything, art galleries often keep sales figures to themselves. This means estimates of the value of the art trade are not entirely accurate. However, art dealers love success stories, so estimating on the high side is good for business. Many sales will take place when art collectors and investors head to Maastricht's 30th TEFAF art fair, from March 10-19, 2017.