AXA ART Lounge @ TEFAF 2012

MAASTRICHT, THE NETHERLANDS--(Marketwire - March 14, 2012) - What are the stories behind empty frames that once housed beautiful compositions or magnificent masterpieces? How did collections of rare earthen vessels, antique sculptures, glassware and historic artifacts result in ruins? These are among some of the questions AXA ART incites as the company presents its very own interpretation of "A Cabinet of Curiosities" at the AXA ART Lounge during TEFAF 2012.

Considered the most prestigious art fair in the world, this year TEFAF celebrates 25 years of offering best-in-class masterpieces, exquisite rare documents, works on paper, lavish drawings, objects of art history, antique sculptures and a cross section of 20^th century designs and decorative objects. TEFAF's vetting practices reassures International collectors and some of the world's top museums unsurpassed choices from the very best in fine art and collectibles.

In recognition of the fair's important milestone, Dr. Ulrich Guntram, global CEO at AXA ART commented, "AXA ART congratulates The European Fine Art Fair on the occasion of its silver jubilee and applauds its remarkable commitment to quality and authenticity in fine art offerings. We are pleased to maintain a long-standing relationship with this prestigious art market event that is dedicated to and upholds rigorous standards of excellence".

AXA ART's relationship as Principal Sponsor of TEFAF spans nine years. Both organizations bring to the partnership mutual perspective on the art world and respect for operating in an environment of excellence. TEFAF's reputation for rigorously vetting each object for quality, authenticity and condition is unparalleled. AXA ART's standing as a global specialist at the vanguard of protecting the value of its clients' treasures and support of preserving the world's cultural patrimony is without equal. Together the TEFAF/AXA ART partnership provides collectors with unique expertise covering a full range of risk prevention, conservation, recovery and restoration measures.

Ben Janssens, Chairman of the Board of TEFAF said, "Reliability and professionalism are values that are key to our mutual identities. They are the firm foundation on which our relationship, which now enters its ninth year, is built. Just like AXA-ART, TEFAF aims to be the leader in its field of expertise".

One of the great challenges faced by cultural institutions each day is ensuring that art objects will survive the ages. AXA ART not only insures fine art objects, the company also actively supports research by renowned global institutions through the AXA ART Research Grant - which is applied to examine cutting-edge preservation methods and has enabled researchers and restorers to contribute to measures in safeguarding our cultural patrimony and creative histories.

From 16^th Century collections to modern day art creations, "A Cabinet of Curiosities" (Wunderkammern) have generated a sense of marvel and at times unease. AXA ART's presentation will draw from this concept to showcase spectacles collected from claims vestiges as part of its ongoing conversation with the art world. "Ultimately our goal is to leverage AXA ART's experience as a global specialty insurer to promote ongoing dialogue with collectors about the benefits of art insurance and the importance of safeguarding their treasured items through proper care", Dr. Guntram concluded.

AXA ART joins TEFAF in celebrating its 25 anniversary and looks forward to welcoming our guests, art connoisseurs, art world professionals and members of the media to the AXA ART Lounge - Stand #800 at the fair.

TEFAF opens its doors for preview on March 15^th, 2012 from 12-noon to 9:00 p.m. The Fair runs from March 16^th through 25^th.