The star of London dealer Sam Fogg’s booth was an alabaster Virgin and Child made in Burgos, Spain, in the 1480s. The Virgin sits on a carved throne whose back is decorated with quatrefoil tracery. The piece was made by Gil de Siloé, who was hired by Isabella of Castille to undertake projects in and around Burgos; according to Fogg, you can see the image of the queen depicted in the face of the Virgin. The dealer reported that the sculpture has been reserved by an undisclosed institution for an undisclosed price.

The consensus among exhibitors is that the 2008 biennale has been well-attended and that the potential exists for a really strong fair. Visitors so far have typically been in good moods and stayed for longer periods of time than they did in 2006. The cheerful setting has obviously made a difference.